Rare book from the library of George Washington: The Rambler, Volume 1, by Samuel Johnson. 11th edition. Dublin: printed by D. Graisberry, 1785. Bound in full leather, burgundy label with gilt on spine, 4.25 x 6.75, 322 pages. A slip affixed to the first free end page bears three words written in Washington’s hand, “thence North twenty,” and the ornately bordered bookplate of Benjamin Lincoln Lear is affixed to the front pastedown. In very good condition, with dampstains to endpapers and some blank margins, normal exterior wear, and lightly soiled interior. This book was originally part of an auction that included items from the Tobias Lear family. Lear was Washington’s closest confidant and personal secretary, serving Washington from 1784–1799. Accompanied by color photocopies of the first page of a list titled “Catalogue of Books received from Washington,” listing “Rambler” among them. A terrific combination of Washington’s handwriting with a book he personally owned. RR Auction COA.
