Ben Ionson [Ben Johnson]; Vincent O'Sullivan [ed.] — Ben Jonson His Volpone: Or the Foxe

London, Leonard Smithers, 1898 . Cloth. A wonderful limited edition of Ben Jonson's 17th century satire, beautifully illustrated and designed by English illustrator and author Aubrey Beardsley, known for his influence upon the aesthetic movement. Number 18 of 1,000 copies printed in demy quarto on Art Paper. Illustrated with a frontispiece by Aubrey Beardsley alongside five vignette illustrations of initial letters by the artist. Additionally, Beardsley designed the front board of the work. Collated, complete. First published 1607, this is a satirical comedy by Ben Jonson set in Venice, following the wealthy Volpone, who feigns mortal illness to deceive a succession of fortune-hunters eager to inherit his estate. Bookplate of Sophie Jacobs to front pastedown, and contemporary inscription to front free endpaper. With a eulogy to the life of Beardsley by Robert Ross, and with a critical essay on Ben Jonson by Vincent O'Sullivan. In the publisher's original decorative cloth binding. Front board bright, with rubbing to board perimeters, joints, and back strip head and tail. Light fraying to back strip head and tail. Centre of rear joint starting, with board a touch tender. Front hinge strained and a touch tender. Bookplate to front pastedown, inscription to front free endpaper. First gathering working loose, otherwise internally firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Good . Ill.: Aubrey Beardsley. Good .