Offered for sale is an authentic mid-Victorian edition of The Works of William Shakspere, published by W. & R. Chambers, Edinburgh, as part of the celebrated Knight's Cabinet Edition.
Following careful examination of the binding, typography, publisher's imprint and internal contents, this volume is believed to date from approximately 1854–1858.
This substantial leather-bound volume contains Volumes I and II bound together in a single original Victorian binding, comprising approximately 720 numbered pages.
Unlike many surviving examples, the book retains its original leather binding, attractive gilt spine, marbled page edges and original sewn text block.
Considerable research has been undertaken to accurately identify this edition.
The attribution is based upon:
• W. & R. Chambers, Edinburgh imprint
• Knight's Cabinet Edition
• Historic Victorian spelling "Shakspere"
• Original engraved title page
• Spine lettered "I–II"
• Printed "End of Vol. I"
• Volume I ending at page 354
• Volume II ending at page 366
• Approximately 720 numbered pages across both volumes
• Victorian typography, page layout and editorial format consistent with Chambers issues of the mid-1850s.
While no printed publication year survives within the remaining preliminary pages, the physical evidence strongly supports an approximate publication period of 1854–1858.
Includes many of Shakespeare's best-known early plays including:
together with editorial commentary and notes.
Presented in good genuine antiquarian condition.
The original sewn text block remains firm, complete and structurally sound.
The front board has detached through age but accompanies the book. Importantly, the text block itself remains intact with the original sewing still holding the pages securely.
The leather binding displays honest Victorian wear including rubbing, corner wear, age toning and moderate foxing throughout, all entirely consistent with a book approaching 170 years of age.
One internal page bears an old purple ink ownership or inventory stamp of unknown origin.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description.
This volume remains unrestored.
Many experienced antiquarian collectors prefer original books that have not been subjected to modern rebinding or extensive repair.
Because the original leather binding, marbled page edges and sewn text block survive, this volume presents an excellent candidate for sympathetic conservation should a future owner choose to undertake it.
Height: 140 mm
Width: 92 mm
Thickness: 36 mm
Weight: 395 g
Professionally packed using premium protective materials suitable for valuable antiquarian books.
Ships from Melbourne, Australia.
Free Australia-wide shipping.
For complete peace of mind, every premium item is shipped with full insurance and Signature on Delivery.
International buyers are welcome. Customs duties, taxes and import charges remain the responsibility of the purchaser.
Thank you for viewing this remarkable Victorian Shakespeare volume.