“THE PLAY’S THE THING…”: HANDSOMELY BOUND EARLY 19TH-CENTURY EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE

SHAKESPEARE. The Plays of Shakespeare. Printed from the Text of Samuel Johnson, George Steevens, and Isaac Reed. London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co., 1819. Two volumes. Octavo, contemporary full tan calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, marbled endpapers. $1800.

Early 19th-century edition of Shakespeare's complete plays, from the texts edited by Samuel Johnson, George Steevens and Isaac Reed, handsomely bound in contemporary full calf-gilt.

Samuel Johnson and George Steevens' edition of Shakespeare "was considered the best edition that had appeared up to that time, and was long regarded as the standard" (Grolier Shakespeare's Plays, 19). "This edition, in which were united the native powers of Dr. Johnson with the activity, sagacity, and antiquarian learning of George Steevens, superseded all previous editions and became the standard for future editors and publishers" (Lowndes, 2261). Jaggard, 510. Owner signatures.

Early professional paper repair to the margins of a few pages with no loss, text clean. Light expert restoration to handsome contemporary calf-gilt.