Designed For the Use of Young Persons
Tales From Shakespear. Designed For the Use of Young Persons
For Thomas Hodgkins, at the Juvenile Library, 1807.
First edition, first printing with printers imprint to p. [236] in vol. I and 3pp of terminal adverts to vol. II in the earliest state with the publisher's address listed as Hanway Street. Contemporary half calf over marbled boards with marbled page edges. Frontispiece to each volume plus eighteen further copper engraved plates (one for each tale) after William Mulready. Joints discretely strengthened and trivial wear to the edges of the boards, but a very good set indeed. Internally extremely clean and free from any chipping or tears. A very well preserved set.
The Juvenile Library was the brainchild of William Godwin at whose suggestion his friend, Charles Lamb agreed to adapt the best known of Shakespeare's plays into prose, specifically, as Lamb's preface states, "meant to be submitted to the young reader as an introduction to the study of Shakespear...". Although not mentioned in the first edition, the work was a joint effort between Lamb and his sister Mary, who contributed the Comedies. "Lamb's Tales", as it subsequently became known, is one of a select group of books never to be out of print since initial publication and made an important contribution to establishing the retelling of classic literature for a younger audience as a worthy pursuit for serious authors.
Grolier Childrens 24
Stock ID: 34008
Sold
We have sold this item, but similar items
may become available in the future
