HANDSOME ILLUSTRATED 1798-1800 EDITION OF SHAKESPEARE'S PLAYS
SHAKESPEARE, William. The Plays of William Shakespeare. London: Printed by T. Bensley, (1798)-1800. Twelve volumes. 12mo, contemporary mottled brown calf gilt rebacked, black morocco spine labels, marbled endpapers.
Harding's edition of Shakespeare's plays, illustrated with over 120 engraved plates.
"Harding's 12-volume duodecimo edition is in admirable taste, printed by Bensley; clear to read, with etched and stippled illustrations, Rowe's Life, Farmer's essay on Shakespeare's Learning, a Glossary, and before each play the 'Observations' as in Johnson and Steevens 1793" (Franklin, Shakespeare Domesticated, 50). "Probably the plays were published separately for playgoers, having independent paginations and distinct dates 1798-99. The general title page is dated 1800" (Jaggard, 508). Jaggard, 508.
Scattered dampstaining to plates, contemporary boards quite lovely. An attractive set.