“SETS THE STANDARD AND THE LIMITS OF LITERATURE”: THE CAMBRIDGE SHAKESPEARE, EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED AND HANDSOMELY BOUND

SHAKESPEARE. The Works. Cambridge and London: Macmillan, 1863-66. Nine volumes. Octavo, early 20th-century three-quarter red morocco, raised bands, elaborately gilt-decorated spines, marbled endpapers, top edges gilt, uncut. $7800.

First edition set of the “Cambridge Shakespeare,” extra-illustrated with over 250 plates (many of which are hand-colored) of views and scenes and actors and actresses, very handsomely bound by Bayntun.

"Shakespeare is the Canon. He sets the standard and the limits of literature" (Harold Bloom). "The Cambridge Shakespeare," first published in this 1863-66 edition, has "become the standard text of Shakespeare… The introductions contain the safest guide as to authorities for the text and the notes form a complete apparatus criticus of the text… [It] is a monument of editorial judgment and accurate scholarship" (Cambridge History of English and American Literature V § 20). Jaggard, 699. Old dealer description laid in.

Occasional faint foxing to plates. A beautiful set.