RAMBLER by [Johnson Dr. Samuel] - 1751 [-1752]

London: Printed for J. Payne and J. Bouquet in Pater-noster-row, 1751 [-1752]. 2 volumes. First edition, First Issue, The True First Edition with what Courtney and Smith call "the earlier title-page for the collected numbers" (see note below). Folio, in contemporary thick calf-covered boards, the spine panels renewed in calf to period style using blind-ruled raised think bands, gilt volume numbers on red morocco labels lettered in gilt, antique but later marbled endpapers and free-flies. [2], 640; [2], 641-1244 pp. A very handsome set, very well preserved. The paper with only minor expected evidence of age and use, quite clean and fresh with only very occasional and light spotting or soiling, first 4 text leaves of Vol. I with a short, closed marginal tear, no loss, the original calf boards with some light rubbing or very minor wear at the corners, the spines quite fine. SCARCE FIRST EDITION, FIRST ISSUE OF THIS GREAT WORK, WITH WHAT COURTNEY AND SMITH CALL THE EARLIER TITLE-PAGE IMPRINTS. The Rambler was a twice-weekly periodical in 208 numbers issued by Dr, Johnson from 20 March 1750 to 14 March 1752. It contains essays on a variety of subjects including character studies, allegories, eastern fables, criticisms, etc., and was written by Johnson himself with the exception of five (or seven) numbers, one of which was written by Samuel Richardson, the "father of the English novel."
The Rambler papers were highly reputed and influential in the public and private life of eighteenth century England. Johnson's wife declared that the "papers surpassed even her expectations." "They contained a great mass of strong sense and an impressive and characteristic view of life."
Courtney and Smith (p. 30) state that "there was an earlier title-page for the collected numbers without 'Volume First' and with the imprint 'London: Printed for J. Payne, and J. Bouquet, in Pater-noster-row. M.DCC.LI.' Neither the table of contents nor the collection of mottoes accompanies this title-page." The copy here offered conforms to this earlier setting of the title-page and thus can be considered the earliest issue of the collected numbers.