[Rarebooks] FS: An Apology for the Believers in the Shakspeare-Papers, which were exhibited in Norfolk-Street

[Morgan Brynnan]

George Chalmers. An Apology for the Believers in the Shakspeare-Papers,
which were exhibited in Norfolk-Street. London: Thomas Egerton, 1797. First Edition.
A scarce and interesting item. A very good plus first edition in three-quarter calf over blue
marbled boards. Binding is sturdy, tight and square. Four rubbed corners plus shelfwear to
bottom edges of boards. Previous owner's information neatly pencilled on front
pastedown. Oxford library stamp (deaccessioned) on first free endpaper and on verso of
title page. FFE also shows staining from leather dye along the front edge. Page [i] has
been repaired and shows a small stain and discoloration from repairs (see photos).Spots on
a few other pages. All pages toned, on heavy paper. Typeface is crisp and clear. Overall a
very good plus copy of a worthwhile work. Untrimmed, [iv], 628 pp. 1 illus. 5 x 8 1/2
inches tall, octavo. Very good +. Three quarter leather.

Photos available, standard courtesies to the trade.

"The Ireland Shakespeare forgeries were a cause célèbre in 1790s London, when author
and engraver Samuel Ireland announced the discovery of a treasure-trove of
Shakespearean manuscripts by his son William Henry Ireland. Among them were the
manuscripts of four plays, two of them previously unknown. Upon the release of the
manuscripts, such respected literary figures as James Boswell (biographer of Samuel
Johnson) and poet-laureate Henry James Pye pronounced them genuine, as did various
antiquarian experts. Richard Brinsley Sheridan, the leading theatre manager of his day,
agreed to present one of the newly discovered plays with John Philip Kemble in the
starring rôle. Excitement over the biographical and literary significance of the find turned
to acrimony, however, when it was charged that the documents were forgeries. Edmond
Malone, widely regarded as the greatest Shakespeare scholar of his time, conclusively
showed that the language, orthography, and handwriting were not those of the times and
persons to which they were credited. William Henry Ireland, the supposed discoverer,
then confessed to the fraud." --- wikipedia (886) $480.00



Morgan Brynnan

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