[Rarebooks] The Plays of William Shakespeare / Samuel Johnson 1768

[Kathleen Gonzalez]

Offered for sale -

The Plays of William Shakespeare,
in Eight Volumes, with the Corrections and
Illustrations of Various Commentators;
To which are added Notes by Sam. Johnson

London:  Printed for H. Woodfall, C.Bathfurst,  etc.
  1768   Preface numbered.

A newspaper clipping from June 10, 1817 is tipped
in on the inside front end paper of volume 1.  It
references Kemble, Talma, Young, Fawcett and
Covent Garden.

"Yesterday a most splendid dinner was given by.
the Principal Performers of Covent-Garden.  Mr.
Fawcett was called to the Chair.  On one side of
him were placed Mr. Talma and Mr. Kemble, and
on the other, Mr Young.  Mrs. C. Kemble presided
at the bottom of the table, which was filled by eighteen
principal Performers of the above mentioned Theatre.
Early in the evening, Mr. Fawcett rose and spoke to
the following effect:"  The speech and a long paragraph
follow.  The article is folded once and is worn at the
bottom edge.

This is a handsome set in full leather.  The front hinge
and the spine of Volume 1 have been professionally restored.
Bindings are tight.  Corners straight.  Covers and
interior are clean.  Rich color, nicely polished..  Shelf
appeal.  Quite readable, not fragile.

An engraved portrait frontispiece is in volume 1.  The
Johnson Preface is followed by a Player's Dedication and
Preface and Prefaces by Pope, Theobald, Hanmer, Warburton.
There is  Some Account of the Life by Rowe.  the Will,
and a tribute by Ben. Johnson.

Gilt border, raised bands on spine, decorative gilt on spine
except gilt quite worn on volume 1 with only a faint glitter coming
through and with weak gilt on the bands.  Volume numbers
in bright gilt on all volumes.  Title faintly showing on spine
on volume 3 only. Other volumes are missing the title.
Book edges have been decorated in gilt - worn in places.
Marbled end papers.  Break in end paper at front of volume 1.
All other end papers are complete.  Closed tear on first blank
page of volume 1; chip on bottom of blank page of  volume 6,
corner chip in volume 7. Light foxing on front and rear blank pages.
Interior pages are clean, but with occasional foxing.  Occasional
notes and some finely written script in pencil and ink on blank
pages of volume 1.  Possible former owner name from 1770.
$3,650.00

Paypal, Visa, Master Card, Amex, check/orders in USD.
Media $6.00, Priority at cost.  Intl shipping at approximate cost.
Insufficiently described books and books damaged in mailing
may be returned for refund - an acknowledgement with the
shipping address and directions for shipping will be provided.
Reciprocal trade courtesy extended.  7% MN tax required for
shipping within MN.   Thanks.

Kathleen Gonzalez
Books Maps Prints More and
Whitney Book and Print Store
4157 Grand Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55409
612 374 4212
http://www.booksmaps.com
sales at booksmaps.com