Date of publication from Hazen, Samuel Johnson's prefaces and dedications.

Opening sentences attributed to Samuel Johnson on internal evidence. cf. Hazen.

Signatures: A-D⁴

Hazen, P.H. Samuel Johnson's prefaces & dedications, page 11-12

Library's copy 2 bound with copy 1 of: The Exhibition of the Royal Academy. [London] : Printed by William Bunce, printer to the Royal Academy (ID:87-S1333) 1st (1769)-18th (1786)

Library’s copy 2 has also bound in, preceding title page, an etched portrait of Joshua Reynolds, with pencil annotation: Sir Joshua Reynolds. Edwards sculpsit. On verso of front free endpaper is article clipping: Copy of the artists’ petition presented to His Majesty George the Third, November the 28th, 1768; and which gave rise to the Establishment of the Royal Academy. Some annotations in pencil. Facing page is signed at top: Dawson Turner, 1826; Turner’s notes on this page include a list of the three prints inserted in this and two other volumes of Royal Academy catalogs; bibliographical references; and a statement regarding the former owner: This copy belonged to Richard Gough ... & has m.s. marks in his handwriting …

Library’s copy 2 binding: decorated rust-colored papers over boards, half brown leather; gilt ruling and binder’s spine title: Catalogues of the Royal Academy.