[Beardsley, Aubrey]

Shirley, James. The Best Plays of the Old Dramatists… Vizetelly & Co., 1888, ownership signature on half-title (“AV Beardsley | Sept 26 1888”) and front free endpaper (“AV. BEARDSLEY | Sept 27 | 1888”) together with ink stamp on reverse of frontispiece, original cloth, slightly skewed, hinges split and with repairs--Prevost, L’Abbe. Histoire de Manon Lescaut et du Chevalier des Grieux. Paris: Ernest Bourdin, [c. 1839], ownership signature on preliminary blank (“Aubrey Beardsley | 1897”), frontispiece, 12 plates and other illustrations in the text after Tony Johannot, contemporary half morocco, some spotting and browning, repairs to preliminary blank, joints split and repaired (2)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where 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."

Beardsley was 16 when he acquired the 'unexpurgated edition' of the plays of James Shirley. Edmond Gosse, in his introduction, notes the opinion that Shirley was 'a supposed representative of the decadence [of his age]'.