W Shakespeare ;John Dennis — The Chiswick Shakespeare

London, George Bell and Sons, 1899-1902. Leather. This is an attractive set of the works of William Shakespeare. One of two hundred copies bound in Japanese vellum, though this set is unnumbered. William Shakespeare was an English poet, playwright, and actor widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English Language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the Bard of Avon. His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of about 38 plays, 154 sonnets, some narrative poems and other verses. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare produced most of his known work between 1589 and 1613. His early plays were mainly comedies and histories and these works remain regarded as some of the best work produced in these genres even today. He then wrote mainly tragedies until about 1608. Shakespeare was a respected poet and playwright in his own day, but his reputation did not rise to its present heights until the 19th century. The Romantics, in particular, acclaimed Shakespeare's genius. His plays remain highly popular today and are constantly studied, performed, and reinterpreted in diverse cultural and political contexts throughout the world. The Chiswick edition, complete in 39 volumes. Volumes Include: Hamlet As You Like It Romeo and Juliet Othello King John The Merchant of Venice The Tempest The Winter's Tale Richard II Much Ado About Nothing Two Gentlemen of Verona Twelfth Night Coriolanus A MIdsummer Night's Dream King Lear Julius Caesar Anthony and Cleopatra The First Part of King Henry IV The Second Part of King Henry VI Cymbeline Love's Labours Lost Henry VI Part I The Second Part of Henry VI The Third Part of King Henry VI King Henry V The Merry Wives of Windsor Measure for Measure The Taming of the Shrew Titus Andronicus Timon of Athens Poems King Richard III King Henry VIII Pericles Troilus and Cressida Sonnets All's Well That Ends Well The Comedy of Errors Macbeth In a quarter vellum binding with gilt cloth boards. Externally, smart with some light bumping to all volumes. Some rubbing and handling marks to all volumes, heavier to 'Macbeth&apos. Spine to 'Macbeth' is more age toned than other volumes. Rear hinge strained to Richard II. Boards warped to The Merchant of Venice. Some spotting to end papers. 'G' inscribed to the recto of front endpaper to 'Macbeth&apos. Internally, firmly bound. Pages generally bright and clean with occasional spotting. Very Good Indeed . Ill.: Byam Shaw. Very Good Indeed .