Jackson Isaac R.ABAA
The complete works of William Shakespeare from the text of Johnson Steevens and Reed.
188037361Edinburgh: William P. Nimmo 1880s. 16mo 17.5 cm 6.875". 2 vols. I: xxxviii 841 pp. II: 919 1 pp. <br><br>Two-volume set of Shakespeare's complete works edited by Samuel Johnson George Steevens and Isaac Reed with a biographical sketch by Mary Cowden Clarke. The three editors were notable Shakespearean scholars; Steevens and Johnson edited a collection of Shakespeare's works together in 1773 an edition that Reed would later re-edit in 1803. Cowden Clarke in addition to working on Shakespearean studies with her husband published an invaluable Shakespeare concordance.<br>Â Â Â Â The first volume begins with a 16-page index to the characters in the plays and includes => an engraved frontispiece of Shakespeare with additional small engravings on the title-pages and at the end of each work. The title-page vignette in vol. I is signed by J.M. Corner.<br>Â Â Â Â Binding: Brown vol. I and red vol. II morocco with beveled boards five raised bands to spines and gilt lettering/devices in compartments; front covers with gilt tripled-rule borders gilt lettering blind-stamped corner decorations and within central oval frames defined by beaded gilt swags compound recessed medallions each composed of a faux tortoise shell oval surrounding and securing an inlaid silk panel embroidered with a => differently colored colorful wreath of flowers. Rear boards bear same borders and corner devices in blind with a blind-stamped central quatrefoil medallion; all edges of both volumes gilt with bookmarks of purple vol. I and green vol. II silk ribbon present. => While the bindings are clearly intended as a pair the differing colors of the leather bookmarks and flowers in the insets make this an interesting sort of set.<br>Â Â Â Â Evidence of Readership: On verso of front fly-leaf of vol. I a previous owner's neat pencil notes on purchase history. Small marginal pencil marks throughout the middle section of vol. I. Bound as above rubbed; vol. II lacking tortoise frame on front board leaving board underneath exposed and embroidery slightly soiled although usefully this shows some of the area's underlying construction. Minor foxing throughout with more severe foxing to title-page and frontispiece of vol. I; bookmarks with fading and loss at ends. Charmingly bound set; blemished still pleasant and sturdy. William P. Nimmo hardcover books
