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1793 The Plays of William Shakespeare
What Our Customers Say...
Description
Illustrated, Leather Binding
Complete in fifteen volumes.
The fourth edition of this set.
A sought after edition of the plays of Shakespeare, edited with extensive commentary by Samuel Johnson and George Steevens.
Volume I is illustrated with three plates.
Volume II is illustrated with four folding tables.
Volume VIII is illustrated with one folding plate of Morris Dancers.
Collated, complete.
In 1765, Johnson and Steevens produced the first notable scholarly analysis of Shakespeare, and were pivotal in elevating the Bard's reputation to the heights it has occupied since. This work was a milestone in Shakespearean scholarship and still very highly regarded.
Johnson held a lifelong fascination with Shakespeare, the bard being the most quoted author in his 'Dictionary of the English Language'. However, Johnson had only a slight hand in this work, the bulk falling to noted Shakespearean commentator George Steevens.
This 1793 edition is considered to be the best, being revised and expanded by Steevens, and was the last edition to involve him directly.
Armorial bookplate to the front paste downs.
Condition
In a full straight grain morocco binding. Externally, generally smart. Light bumping to the extremities. Spines are a little faded with light surface cracks. A little light rubbing to the spines, joints, and extremities, resulting in a small amount of loss of leather to the joints of the first three volumes. Some light marks to the boards. Mark to the head of the front board of Volume III. Small puncture mark to the tail of the rear board of Volume IX, two to the rear board of Volume XV. Rear hinge of Volume I is tightly bound. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are a little age-toned with some spots. Tidemark to the endpapers, and first and last few pages of Volume I, and a couple of other pages of text in Volume I. Tidemark to the text block of Volume II. Tidemark to the endpapers and first and last few pages of Volume III.
Very Good
Delivery & payment
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