Shakespeare, William

Titus Andronicus, of the Rape of Lavinia. Acted at the Theatre Royall, A Tragedy, Alter'd from Mr Shakespears Works, By Mr. Edw. Ravenscroft. London: Printed by J.B. for J. Hindmarsh, 1687



4to (8 ¼ x 6 in.; 210 x 152 mm). Headpiece composed of printer's ornaments; some spotting and light browning, old initials "u G"  and tiny tear in gutter margin of title.  Antique three-quarter calf and speckled boards. Green cloth drop-box.

Bartlett 178; Wing S-2949

The first of Ravenscroft's revised version and the fourth quarto edition, in which most of the alterations occur in the final act. In the preface, Ravenscroft notes "I have been told by some anciently conversant with the state, that it was not originally his [i.e. Shakespeare's], but brought by a private author to be acted, and he only gave some master-touches to one or two of the principle parts or characters; this I am apt to believe." This was the first time that doubt was raised in print about Shakespeare's authorship of the entire play.