Congreve, William

The plays in quarto format in nineteenth-century and modern morocco, the poem in folio format in nineteenth-century morocco, all first editions, two from the libraries of Mortimer L. Schiff and John L. Clawson. Condition of texts and bindings generally good.

The Double-Dealer. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1694. Expertly closed tear on D1. Modern full blue morocco, spine lettered and edges gilt. First edition, first issue with G1 uncancelled (line 19 on verso reads "what") (Wing C5847; ESTC R19478; Pforzheimer 194; Woodward & Macmanaway 231). provenance: Bloomsbury, 16 June 2005, lot 535. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch. — The Way of the World. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1700. Half-title. Dark brown straight-grain morocco paneled gilt; rebacked, original spine laid down. First edition, with second state of the catchword on L4v ("Lady"). (Wing C5878; ESTC R8381; Woodward & Macmanaway 249). provenance: Mortimer L. Schiff; Bonhams, 24 March 2009, lot 277. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch. — The Mourning Muse of Alexis. A Pastoral. Lamenting the Death of Our Late Gracious Queen Mary of Ever Blessed Memory. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1695. Title within black mourning border. Half green morocco, spine lettered gilt.  First edition with the "S" in "Alexis" printed upside-down, one of three editions printed in 1695 by Tonson (Wing C5859; ESTC R38824; Hayward 136A; Pforzheimer 207). provenance: John L. Clawson.

The plays in quarto format in nineteenth-century and modern morocco, the poem in folio format in nineteenth-century morocco, all first editions. Condition of texts and bindings generally good. The Double-Dealer. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1694. Expertly closed tear on D1. Modern full blue morocco, spine lettered and edges gilt. First edition, first issue with G1 uncancelled (line 19 on verso reads "what") (Wing C5847; ESTC R19478; Pforzheimer 194; Woodward & Macmanaway 231). provenance: Bloomsbury, 16 June 2005, lot 535. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch. — The Way of the World. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1700. Half-title. Dark brown straight-grain morocco paneled gilt; rebacked, original spine laid down. First edition, with second state of the catchword on L4v ("Lady"). (Wing C5878; ESTC R8381; Woodward & Macmanaway 249). provenance: Mortimer L. Schiff; Bonhams, 24 March 2009, lot 277. acquisition: Purchased at foregoing sale through Bernard Quaritch. — The Mourning Muse of Alexis. A Pastoral. Lamenting the Death of Our Late Gracious Queen Mary of Ever Blessed Memory. London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1695. Title within black mourning border. Half green morocco, spine lettered gilt. First edition with the "S" in "Alexis" printed upside-down, one of three editions printed in 1695 by Tonson. (Wing C5859; ESTC R38824; Hayward 136A; Pforzheimer 207). provenance: John L. Clawson.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.