JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-84) - Johnsoniana, London, John Murray, 1836, 8vo, engraved plates, FINELY BOUND in half tan morocco by Zaehnsdorf. With a one-page autograph letter from John Murray IV loosely-inserted. FIRST EDITION.

JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-84) - Johnsoniana; or, Supplement to Boswell: being, Anecdotes and Sayings of Dr Johnson. London: John Murray, 1836. 8vo (222 x 140mm). Engraved frontispiece, additional engraved title with vignette, and 43 plates, one folding, verso of p.529 blank [see provenance footnote], 17pp. of publisher's advertisements at the end (the plates lightly browned, one plate torn at margin without loss). FINELY BOUND in tan half morocco gilt by Zaehnsdorf, spine gilt in compartments with decorative motifs stamped in gilt, top edges gilt, others uncut (spine a little darkened with a small scuff mark to lowest compartment). Provenance: Loosely-inserted is an autograph letter from the publisher John Murray IV (1851-1928) relating to this copy, on paper headed "50, Albermarle Street, W.", dated July 21, [19]09, stating, "Dear Sir, I am rather puzzled by yours of yesterday. I have one copy of Johnsoniana and in it p.530 is printed on the same page as 529 (as is natural). The page begins 'during my travels, written to him from [?]Loca [?]Solemnia' ... and ends with the imprint of 'A. Spottiswoode, New Street Square'. We have no 'waste' of this book remaining, [illegible word], John Murray. To [?]Mr F. Blackburn." A pencil note on the blank page in question reads: "This is the last page of the book, but is unaccountably blank. I wrote to Mr Murray about it; see his answer attached to fly leaf at the front. F. Blackburn, 1909." The missing text and colophon in this copy has been supplied in ink manuscript. FIRST EDITION.