William Shakespeare rare books
William Shakespeare, (1564-1616), English poet and dramatist of the Elizabethan and early Jacobean period; the most widely known author in all English literature.
Collecting William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare rare books come in all shapes and sizes, with something for all sorts of book collectors. Inevitably acquiring a First Folio in original condition is a dream of many, but the multi-million pound plus price tag, combined with the chances of finding such a thing, take it beyond the reach of most mere mortals.
Other collectors seek out individual plays, from across the first four Folio editions, which can be challenging but rewarding. For those looking for elegant works of Shakespeare without the hankering for antiquity, many of the Private Presses of the late 19th & 20th centuries produced many handsome editions, including the Nonesuch Press and Officina Bodoni. Shapero Rare Books also specialise in collected editions of Shakespeare, from the 18th century to the 20th century, often in handsome bindings, which are perfect for gifts, or just a bit of self-indulgence.
Collect William Shakespeare
-
Limited edition of 200 sets, this one not numbered, 16mo. 155 by 110mm (6 by 4¼ inches), 39 volumes, engraved illustrated title-pages, frontispieces, half-title vignettes and further full-page plates by Byam Shaw, printed on 'Japanese vellum'*, publisher's vellum-backed cream buckram gilt, spines age toned (some more than others), occasional marks and light surface soiling to buckram, internally toned but very clean indeed, a few pages still unopened, in all a very good and highly attractive set of this illusive edition.
* Vellum: a type of smooth paper.£1,900
