1849 (no copyright page in book - dated Aug. 1, 1849 on Preface); Belford-Clarke Publishers; very good condition with unmarked pages; boards good with minor fading; no dust jacket.
 
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Washington Irving states that Goldsmith was between 5’4” and 5’6” in height, not heavily built but quite muscular and with rather plain features. In character he had a lively sense of fun, was totally guileless, and never happier than when in the light-hearted company of children. The money that he sporadically earned was often frittered away or happily given away to the next good cause that presented itself so that any financial security tended to be fleeting and short-lived. Goldsmith's talents were unreservedly recognised by Samuel Johnson whose patronage - somewhat resented by Boswell - aided his eventual recognition in the literary world and the world of drama.
 
Goldsmith was described by contemporaries as prone to envy, a congenial but impetuous and disorganised personality who once planned to emigrate to America but failed because he missed his ship.