"THE STANDARD FOR FUTURE EDITORS AND PUBLISHERS": 1785 EDITION OF JOHNSON AND STEEVENS' PLAYS OF SHAKESPEARE, LOVELY SET IN CONTEMPORARY BOARDS

SHAKESPEARE. The Plays of William Shakespeare… With the Corrections and Illustrations of Various Commentators; To Which Are Added Notes by Samuel Johnson and George Steevens. London: Printed for C. Bathurst, J. Rivington and Sons, T. Payne and Son, et al., 1785. Ten volumes. Octavo, contemporary full tree calf gilt, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, red and dark green morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers, four volumes rebacked with original spines and labels laid down. $9800.

Third edition of Johnson and Steevens' Shakespeare, "the standard for future editors and publishers," in handsome contemporary tree calf boards.

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 Johnson with the activity, sagacity, and antiquarian learning of George Steevens, superseded all previous editions and became the standard for future editors and publishers" (Lowndes, 2261). The plays are copiously annotated throughout, with numerous introductory pieces including Johnson's famous preface. Illustrated with three engraved portraits of Shakespeare, a facsimile of his signature on his will, and a delightful folding plate of Morris dancers. ESTC T138853. Armorial bookplate in each volume.

Minor spotting and offsetting, mostly to first and last few leaves. A handsome set.