- 24
Jonson, Ben.
bidding is closed
Description
- The Workes. London: Will Stansby, 1616, engraved frontispiece portrait of Jonson by Vaughan (inserted from the 1640 edition), engraved title-page, woodcut headpieces and initials, 2 elaborate woodcut borders, portrait laid down, engraved title remargined at foredge
Ibid. The Workes, the second volume. London: Richard Meighen, 1640, woodcut device on title-page, woodcut initials and headpieces
2 volumes, folio (279 x 175mm.), uniform modern crushed green morocco by Rivière, gilt arabesque centrepiece on all covers, spine lettered in gilt, gilt edges, in modern half morocco box, a few leaves washed, some slight soiling
2 volumes, folio (279 x 175mm.), uniform modern crushed green morocco by Rivière, gilt arabesque centrepiece on all covers, spine lettered in gilt, gilt edges, in modern half morocco box, a few leaves washed, some slight soiling
Provenance
W.A. Scripps, stamp on title-page of volume 2; Harold Greenhill, bookplate; H. Bradley Martin, bookplate (sale at Sotheby's New York, 30 April 1990, lot 2960)
Literature
STC 14751 & 14754; Greg 3:1070; Grolier, English 17; Hayward 59; Pforzheimer 559 & 560
Condition
Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, when appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
first collected editions. The second volume was originally published with four parts in two volumes.
A landmark in English Literature. The 1616 folio edition of Jonson's works was a highly significant development in the publication of English literature and English Renaissance drama. Published between 6 and 25 November in the year his friend William Shakespeare died (reputedly after a "merry meeting" with Jonson and Michael Drayton), it is the first occasion in English publishing history when stage plays were considered as serious literature as opposed to popular ephemera. As such it paved the way for the first publication of a single volume devoted entirely to plays, namely the First Folio of Shakespeare in 1623.