William Shakespeare / Unknown Illustrator - Shakespeare’s Comedies - 1932

Pre-1933 Shakespeare’s Comedies – William Shakespeare – Collins’ Clear-Type Press – Illustrated Antique Hardcover

An attractive early 20th-century edition of Shakespeare’s Comedies by William Shakespeare, published by Collins’ Clear-Type Press, London and Glasgow.

This compact hardback features distinctive red cloth boards with decorative black detailing, together with historical theatrical photographic illustrations.

Apparent Scarcity & Collectability

This particular edition appears to be relatively difficult to find. Despite researching comparable copies offered for sale, we have been unable to identify an exact match for this distinctive red cloth binding and decorative cover design.

Other editions of Shakespeare’s Comedies published by Collins’ Clear-Type Press have been identified, but their bindings differ from this example.

While this suggests a degree of apparent scarcity in currently available online listings, the edition’s actual rarity has not been established.

Contents

The volume contains five celebrated Shakespeare plays:

* As You Like It
* A Midsummer Night’s Dream
* The Merchant of Venice
* The Tempest
* The Merry Wives of Windsor

The book contains 516 pages and includes theatrical photographic illustrations, including a portrait of Sir George Alexander as Orlando in As You Like It.

The publisher’s introductory note references Macmillan’s 1900 Globe edition of Shakespeare’s works. This relates to the source text and should not be confused with the publication date of this volume.

Historical Provenance & Dating

The front endpaper features an attractive hand-painted floral decoration surrounding a handwritten school prize inscription:

Prize for English – Jean Banks – 28.7.32 – C. R. Woods

This dated inscription establishes that the book was in existence by 28 July 1932.

Although the precise publication year remains unconfirmed, the volume can therefore be dated to 1932 or earlier (pre-1933).

The inscription adds an appealing element of personal and educational history to this vintage volume.

Condition

Pre-owned antique condition, showing wear consistent with its age.

* Red cloth boards show rubbing, fading and general surface wear.
* Spine is noticeably faded and worn.
* Corners and board edges show rubbing.
* Some dark marks are visible on the exterior.
* Pages display age-related toning and occasional spotting.
* Original historical prize inscription remains on the front endpaper.
* Page edges show age-related unevenness and discolouration.

Please study all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Book Details

* Title: Shakespeare’s Comedies
* Author: William Shakespeare
* Publisher: Collins’ Clear-Type Press, London & Glasgow
* Publication Date: Unknown; 1932 or earlier
* Binding: Red cloth hardcover with black decorative detailing
* Illustrations: Historical theatrical photographs
* Pages: 516
* Dimensions: Approximately 15.8 × 11 × 2.2 cm
* Weight: Approximately 272g
* Stock Reference: #2451

An interesting volume for collectors of Shakespeare, early theatrical illustrations, decorative vintage bindings and historical literature.

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