“THERE IS AN HOUR IN EACH MAN’S LIFE APPOINTED TO MAKE HIS HAPPINESS, IF THEN HE SEIZE IT”

BEAUMONT, Francis and FLETCHER, John. The Works of Beaumont and Fletcher. London: Edward Moxon, 1839. Two volumes. Octavo, 19th-century full blue calf, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, raised bands, red and brown morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers and edges. $700.

Later edition, with engraved frontispiece portraits, handsomely bound.

This set collects the dramatic works of the playwriting team of Beaumont and Fletcher, giants of English renaissance drama. It has been argued that during the reign of James I, the plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, written in the popular vein of romantic tragi-comedy, were more highly valued than Shakespeare's. Many common expressions have their origins in the plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, such as "do or die," "deeds, not words," and "discretion, the best part of valor". Includes plays written together, individually, and in collaboration with other playwrights, as well as poems. Text printed in double columns. Bookplates.

Fine condition.