Description: Samuel Johnson's "Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets" (1854, John Murray, London) A fascinating collection of biographical and critical essays by Samuel Johnson, offering insightful observations on the lives and works of 52 celebrated English poets including Milton, Pope, Dryden, Swift, Addison, Gay and many more. A first edition Thus published in 1854 by John Murray, London. This edition is edited by writer Peter Cunningham who also pens the Editors Preface. An unusually attractive set bound in full leather and gilt Ca. 1890 by Jeremiah Larkins. All three volumes are signed, "bound by J. Larkins" on the upper verso of the front decorated endpapers. Jeremiah Larkins was born in Lambeth in 1833. In 1875 the London Directory shows him as one half of Cecil & Larkins, in Hatton Gardens. In 1881 he would set up shop in Holborn operating under his own name. 
 
Condition: 8vo. Vol. 1 - 395 pgs., Vol. 2 - 444 pgs., Vol. 3 - 456 pgs. including Additional Notes and Index. Full blue polished calf leather bindings by J. Larkins with elaborate gilt-decorated spines in 6 compartments with 5 raised bands, Morocco labels in 2, top edges in gilt and turn-ins have been elaborately rolled in gilt, with marbled endpapers. Three nicely preserved copies with light rubbing to the leather edges, and corners, light scuffing and spotting to the boards in a few spots and a tiny chip to the spine tip of Volume three. Interiors are surprisingly clean and unmarked and free of the usual toning and foxing. Overall, A must-have set for any collectors and enthusiasts of classic English literature.