The Works of Shakspere (Shakespeare) 1891 VELLUM Antique Vintage Fine Bindings

An incredible opportunity to own this very special 6-volume set of works by Shakespeare, released in only 500 copies. These volumes make up copy 457 of a luxury half-vellum Mignon edition of Shakespeare's complete works, published by George Routledge in 1891. The edition is illustrated by legendary British artist and engraver Sir John Gilbert R. Who is well-known for his impressive contribution of almost two thousand engravings for The Illustrated London News and The London Journal across the latter half of the 19th Century. Externally, the volumes have small areas of age-related staining to the spines and boards, there is a strip of paper missing from the rear board of volume I, and some very small bumps and scratches to the board edges as expected.

Internally, there is a little foxing to preliminary pages across the set, and there is a previous owner's inscription to the forward blanks of each volume. This is in pencil and could be removed if desired. The bindings are very sturdy, and the text is generally very good with bold illustrations. Half-bound in vellum (calf skin) with beautiful cream-backed marbled boards and gilt borders, and brown calf title labels with gilt lettering to the spine, these volumes are further decorated with a fully marbled block edge, marbled endpapers, black and white illustrations including frontispiece portraits, and scarlet text borders.

It's a thing of beauty, made of quality materials that could last a lifetime. The ideal gift for an academic or theatre enthusiast. My books are posted in strong, recycled packaging wherever possible.