"BEST EDITION, BY THE ABLEST OF MODERN COMMENTATORS"
JONSON, Ben. The Works of Ben Jonson… With Notes, Critical and Explanatory, and a Biographical Memoir, by W. Gifford. London: Printed for G. and W. Nicol, et al., 1816. Nine volumes. Octavo, contemporary three-quarter dark green morocco, raised bands, marbled boards, top edges gilt, uncut. $1850.
1816 best edition of Ben Jonson's works.
The first edition to be edited by William Gifford, the editor of the "Quarterly Review," with his notes and a biography of Jonson. "Best edition, by the ablest of modern commentators, through whose learned and generous labours Old Ben's forgotten works and injured character are restored to the merited admiration and esteem of the world" (Lowndes, 1230). With frontispiece engraving of Jonson and facsimile autograph document. Bookplates.
Scattered light foxing. A very good set.