Samuel Johnson, 1749

JOHNSON, Samuel (1709-1784). Irene: A Tragedy. London: Printed for R. Dodsley and sold by M. Cooper, 1749.

First edition, published to coincide with David Garrick's production at Drury Lane, which ran for nine nights. Profit from the performance and the copyright brought Johnson the impressive sum of "nearly £300." The work may have been started as early as 1726, with considerable amounts completed while at Edial Hall near Lichfield in 1736 and in his lodgings at Greenwich in 1737. It had been rejected out of hand when originally presented to Drury Lane manager Charles Fleetwood, though ultimately the Garrick production was successful and brought Johnson more money than anything he had written up to that point. Ultimately, however, it was the work Johnson would consider his greatest failure. The price of one shilling and sixpence is printed on the half-title. Courtney and Smith p. 24-25; Fleeman 49.21/1a; Rothschild 1231.

Octavo (194 x 118mm). Half-title, 2 pp. publisher's ads at rear (some spotting to text). Modern red morocco gilt, inner gilt dentelles. Provenance: Oliver Brett (bookplate).