Johnson (Samuel).- Ascham (Roger) The English Works, edited by James Bennet, half-title, engraved arms at head of dedication f., list of subscribers, later ink note to verso of half-title, and occasionally elsewhere, some spotting, lightly browned, contemporary calf, gilt spine in compartments and with leather label, rather worn, but holding firm, [cf. Chapman & Hazen 145], 4to, Printed for T. Davies, in Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, and J. Dodsley, in Pall-Mall, [1767].

⁂ The Vicesimus Knox-Charles Whibley-George Macaulay Trevelyan copy. The dedication and life of Ascham were written by Samuel Johnson, and many believe him to have edited the whole work. 'Tom Davies's statement that Johnson was in reality the editor of this book gains weight from the fact (not mentioned in Courtney) that Davies was concerned in the publication; and is borne out by internal evidence...This neglected book must now rank among Johnson's major performances in editorial scholarship.' (Chapman & Hazen). This a re-issue of the 1761 first edition, with half-title and cancel title.

Provenance: Vicesimus Knox (1752-1821), English essayist, Headmaster of Tonbridge School, and Anglican priest (autograph book label to front pastedown); Charles Whibley (1859-1930), English literary journalist and author, who recommended T.S. Eliot to Geoffrey Faber (leading to his appointment as an editor at Faber & Gwyer), and supported James Whistler (they had married sisters) (book label to front pastedown); George Macaulay Trevelyan (1876-1962), English historian at Trinity College, Cambridge (ink names to front endpapers); Louis T. Milic (modern book label to front pastedown).