The Works of Shakespeare. Limited Larger Temple Edition. J.M. Dent. London, 1899-1900.

William Shakespeare, the great English Bard, has defined a nation’s literature for over 400 years. He is perhaps the most quoted author of all time. His iambic pentameter, his adorned Early Modern English, his vivid characters, and his nuanced dialogue and plots have all been the inspiration of numerous artists. Shakespeare’s plays have also been reread, reimagined, and performed constantly since the 1600s. In this Larger Temple Edition set, his works are presented in twelve finely bound volumes. They were edited by noteworthy Shakespeare scholar Israel Gollancz. His Temple edition was the most popular of the period. The common format is the small pocket-sized set. This octavo set is one of the limited and finer formats––one of only 500 sets produced. They cover Shakespeare’s works alongside numerous portraits and glossaries.

This set of the limited larger Temple edition is in very good condition. With all twelve volumes in the original three-quarter leather over marbled boards. Bindings very good. Occasional rubbing to spines and edges. Some corners rubbed and bumped. Some spine edges chipped and rubbed. Spines sunned. Text blocks fine to about-fine. Marbled endpapers. All frontispiece portraits present. Occasional foxing. Occasional rubbing to edges. This complete set is one of only 500 produced.

A scarce complete limited larger Temple edition of Shakespeare’s works.