William Shakespeare

Complete Works of William Shakespeare in Thirty-nine [39] Volumes

Norwalk, CT: Easton Press, 1992. Red leather with two raised bands. Author and title in gilt on black labels. Decorative gilt border with each volume having its own centerpiece character in gilt on both the front cover and spine center. Bronze moire endpapers with gold, satin bookmarks still. 7 3/4" x 11 3/4", ~100+ pp per volume. Copyright from The George May Co., 1937. This edition was memorable for its illustrations, an ambitious and celebrated undertaking in fine-press publishing. He commissioned a different world class artist to illustrate each edition. The legendary book designer Bruce Rogers oversaw the entire production to ensure typographic harmony, but the artists were given immense creative freedom. The result was a breathtaking, multicultural showcase of mid-century graphic arts. Illustrators include: Arthur Rackham (A Midsummer Night's Dream), Eric Gill (The Poems), French painter André Derain (Antony and Cleopatra), Belgian woodcutter Frans Masereel (King Lear), American realist Fritz Eichenberg (Richard III), and prominent book artist Valenti Angelo (King John).

INCLUDED: "The Oxford Companion To Shakespeare", 2002, 541 pp. Matching The Complete Works in size and binding, this volume is intended as an aid to the enjoyment of the plays and poems. Includes and alphabetical bibliography of the characthers, a synopsis of each piece, artistic features and critical history as well as historical performances. Fine, Near as new, originally purchased for shelf value, never read. All edges gilted. Book plate of Holly Benson on half title pages. Item #3419

"Sweet Isabelle, doe yet but kneele by me,
Hold up your hands, say nothing: I'll speake all.
They say best men are moulded out of faults,
And for the most, became much more the better
(p 95 Measure for Measure).

Price: $1,450.00