Descrizione

[iv],213,[1]pp., tipped-in engraved portrait of Gossett published July 6, 1813 by R. S. Kirby (partially effected by a circular water-stain), title-page a little dusty, ruled in red throughout with prices in a cont. hand, cont. half calf, worn, re-backed with remains of orig. spine laid-down, label chipped. Rev. Isaac Gossett (1735-1812) was ìthe most regular attendant at book sales of his generation, who bought more bibliographical treasures for 6d. than any man before or sinceî according to Frank Herrmanís ëSothebyísí. ìFor over thirty years a familiar figure in the London auction rooms where he. gave a running commentary, critical and bibliographical, on the lots as they were offeredî ó Munby. Gossett helped Dibdin with his ëIntroduction to the Classicsí and was cast as ìLepidusî in his ëBibliomaniaí. A tiny man with a liking for old fashioned hats he appeared in several contemporary caricatures and was the subject of an amusing obituary poem in the ëGentlemanís Magazine, for 1813. He also played a formative role in the young Richard Heberís career as a book collector. Munby, Some Caricatures of Book-Collectors, 1948.