1817 Drake, Nathan. Shakespeare and His Times. London 1817.

Remarkable four-volume early 19th century work about William Shakespeare, notable as it came from the Roosevelt family in a public auction at Christies in 2001. The front free endpaper of Volume One, Part One has various notes in pencil detailing the contents of this four-volume set. These notes appear to have been written a very long time ago based on the handwriting. There is also some spotting on the first title page of Volume One, Part One. There is wear on some of the pages and the tips but the book overall is quite strong. Volume I, Part II is also nice but has some very minor interior staining in the beginning pages. All four volumes are bound in a beautiful vintage leather. There are over four hundred gorgeous vintage engravings and images within this mammoth work. This is not a Shakespearean folio but rather a comprehensive history of Shakespeares plays and Elizabethan era England. There is some wear by the binding by the extreme bottom tip of several spines but they still have brilliant original color. The wonderful assortment of engravings depict famous scenes from plays ranging from Hamlet to As You Like It to The Tempest. These were part of the Roosevelt collection and was very likely part of either Eleanor or Franklins library during their lifetime. This was auctioned off as part of the Roosevelt collection and carries a letter stating its ownership history. This is a monumentally beautiful work that is wonderfully evocative of Shakespeares England and offers keen insights into the mind of the creator of Western literatures finest artist. This is a museum quality item in the strict sense of the term as these four hefty volumes could form the centerpiece of a significant Shakespeare exhibit. If you want to own something truly, truly great at a very reasonable price level, give this four volume set some serious consideration.

Sold Price: $4500.00