[Rarebooks] fa: RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN - DRAMATIC WORKS - First/Early Pirated Ed. 1797

[Ardwight Chamberlain]

Listed now, along with other 17th, 18th, & 19th-century titles, auctions ending Sunday, Sept. 16. More details and images can be found at the URL below or by searching under the seller name arch_in_la.

http://tinyurl.com/8tv8bfj

Thanks again,
Ardwight Chamberlain
L.A.

The Dramatic Works of R. B. Sheridan, Esq. Containing, The School for Scandal. The Rivals. The Duenna. The Critic. London: Printed for A. Millar, W. Law, and R. Cater, [ca. 1797]. First edition thus. Tall 12mo (18.5 cm) in period calf, rebacked, with gilt-lettered spine label; [4], 215, [1]; [2], 54pp.; engraved frontispiece portrait. ESTC T60198.

An uncommon early pirated edition of Sheridan's comedies, each play with its own undated title-page and half-title. According to the ESTC, the imprint is false and the collection was probably printed in York for Wilson, Spence and Mawman. The frontispiece is dated 1795; the paper is watermarked 1796 and 1797.

Rubbing and scratches to the front board, light wear to the edges and corners; occasional light toning to the leaves, but generally quite clean, firmly bound. From the library at Encombe House, Dorset, seat of the Scotts, Earls of Eldon, the front paste-down with a bookplate bearing the family's heraldic devices and motto (Sit sine labe decus: "Let honour be without stain").