THE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE. Illustrated. Near Folio. Complete in 3 large volumes

New York: Johnson Fry & Company, [Frontispiece dated 1859. Set appears to be attributed to 1856 - 1861.]. FIRST EDITION / FIRST PRINTING of this edition of Shakespeare. Edited by an eminent American Shakespearian scholar, as stated on the title pages [Richard Grant White]. The complete works of Shakespeare from the original text: carefully collated and compared with the editions of Halliwell, Knight, and Collier: with historical and critical introductions, and notes to each play; and a life of the great dramatist by Charles Knight. Edited by an eminent American Shakespearian scholar. Illustrated with new and finely executed steel engravings, chiefly portraits in character of celebrated American actors. Bound in morocco leather bindings. Thick beveled covers. These are large and heavy books. Weighing roughly 5 pounds each. Near folio-sized, at 11 inches tall. These take up 6 inches of shelf space. Illustrated with steel engraved plates. Printed on thick quality paper. Columned text. Dual ruled framing surrounding the text on each page. VERY GOOD condition. The leather is supple. The hinges are all fully attached, with no starting, but one cover has been reattached with archival materials. Some general shelf wear and abrasion. Printed on quality paper that is very fresh, bright, and clean. Near free of any trace of foxing. Some general signs of usage. No writing or previous signs of ownership. This is an impressive set of Shakespeare. Attributed to Richard Grant White. Up to the time of Richard Grant White American editions of Shakespeare had been essentially nothing more than arrangements of British editions. The most original editor before White had been Verplanck, and even he did little other than appropriate illustrations from the Knight and Cornwall editions, copy notes from the great variorum editions in the Johnson-Steevens-Reed and Malone-Boswell-Singer traditions, and add very minor emendations and notes of his own. White was the first true American Shakespeare scholar. Here is a link to more information on White: http://shakespeare.palomar.edu/editors/White.htm This is an impressive set of Shakespeare, and would make an excellent addition to any collection. This set would make an excellent gift and/or addition to any fine library. In addition to their shelf presence, antiquarian books make an excellent investment. We always pack very securely to help ensure safe handling during transit. All books are individually wrapped and are always professionally padded. We offer a full refund guarantee, per our terms described on our site, with notification of such intent requested. Please contact us with any inquiries.