Lot 699
  • 699

Richards, Nathaniel

Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
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Description

  • The Tragedy of Messallina The Roman Emperesse. As it hath beene Acted With general applause divers times, by the Company of his Majesties Revells. London: Printed by Tho[mas] Cotes for Daniel Frere, at the signe of the Red Bull in Little Brittaine, 1640
  • paper
8vo (5 5/16 x 3 3/16 in.; 135 x 80 mm). Engraved portrait frontispiece by Thomas Rawlins in second state, additional engraved title with view of a contemporary outer stage with curtain and balcony in central panel at bottom, woodcut headpieces and decorative initials; some marginal spotting and soiling, last page soiled. Eighteenth-century mottled calf gilt; rebacked, corners torn.

Provenance

Samuel Roy? (signature and purchase note dated 1736 on front pastedown) — M.E. Kempthorne (signature). acquisition: Peter Murray Hill, 1969

Literature

STC 21011; ESTC S115965; Greg 578; Pforzheimer 835

Condition

some marginal spotting and soiling, last page soiled. Eighteenth-century mottle calf gilt; rebacked, corners torn.
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.

Catalogue Note

First edition. The engraved title "appears to be the second engraved view of an English stage ..." (Pforzheimer). Leaf B1 has a list of the actors and the parts they played "... which adds materially to our knowledge of the King's Company of that day" (Ibid).