First edition, bound from the original numbers of this scarce periodical, in very good original condition. The Connoisseur in its first edition is rare on the market in any kind of condition or binding: only three copies have appeared at auction in the last twenty-five years.

First edition, bound from the original numbers of this scarce periodical, in very good original condition. The Connoisseur in its first edition is rare on the market in any kind of condition or binding: only three copies have appeared at auction in the last twenty-five years.

This attractive set in original bindings contains the first printings of the complete run of the 140 numbers of the periodical, issued weekly on Thursdays from 31 January 1754 until 30 September 1756. The periodical was conducted and largely written by the dramatists and noted wits George Colman and Bonnell Thornton in the guise of "Mr. Town, Critic and Censor-General". Each number contained a single essay intended to entertain by examining the vices and follies of London society. William Cowper, who contributed five papers, was probably the most celebrated contributor, and other numbers were supplied by John Earl of Cork & Orrery, Thomas Warton, John Duncombe, Robert Lloyd, and Orator Henley.

Johnson found the Connoisseur 'wanting in matter', and Graham explains that if the journal 'was often poor in style and lacking in substance', these faults 'may fairly be attributed to the inexperience of its authors (Colman was twenty-two and Thornton thirty) and their youthful predilection to satire…'.