(London: For F. C. and J. Rivington, et c., 1823).

FIRST EDITION THUS AND AN EARLY OCTAVO PRINTING OF SHAKESPEARE’S WORK, ILLUSTRATED THROUGHOUT WITH FINE ENGRAVINGS. The Malone edition has long been considered one of the very best editions of Shakespeare's works. It includes Chalmers’ Preface, a Life of Shakespeare, the author’s will, Johnson’s and Pope’s famed prefaces, an Historical Account of the English Stage and for each play, an historical sketch and argument are prefixed. Additionally, included here is the very fine glossary and index which gives a most expansive collection of words and passages used by Shakespeare throughout the plays.
This version derives as well as from Rowe and those who followed him and from Malone’s 1821 text, which is renowned for its accuracy and consistency. In fact, it “has time and again been called the foundation of modern Shakespeare scholarship.” [Shakespeare Domesticated]. This collection is of value especially because it contains documents and editing considered highly significant in Shakespearean scholarship and editing. Item #31739

8 volumes. The Malone edition, first edition thus. With an engraved portrait frontispiece, and engraved illustrations throughout. 8vo, handsomely bound in full diced calf of the period, the covers with triple gilt fillet borders enclosing a wide roll tooled border gilt and enclosing a central ornamental frame of single and double gilt fillet rules and floral corner pieces, the spine panels sometime rebacked to style with wide raised bands gilt and compartments decorated with gilt lyre motifs, two compartments lettered in gilt, original marbled endleaves and edges. A set with some wear caused by age and use, some boards are detached and can be repaired, the text-blocks are clean and crisp and in quite excellent condition.