- 839
Webster, John
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 USD
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Description
- Webster, John
- The White Divel, or, The Tragedy of Paulo Giordano Ursini, Duke of Brachiano, with the Life and Death of Vittoria Corombona the Famous Venetian Curtizan. Acted by the Queenes Maiesties Servants. London: Printed by N[icholas]. O[kes]. for Thomas Archer, and are to be sold at his Shop in Popes head Pallace, neere the Royall Exchange, 1612
- printed book
4to (6 3/4 x 4 7/8 in.; 170 x 124 mm). Woodcut initials and headpieces; title-page lightly soiled and a trifle frayed and with minor restoration including a portion of the initial "The" in facsimile, I4 with neat marginal restoration, a number of headlines and shoulder-notes shaved, H1 with tiny rusthole touching a few letters. Blue morocco gilt by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, gilt edges; extremities rubbed.
Provenance
Norman Pearson (note on front free endpaper). acquisition: Seven Gables, 1968
Literature
STC 25178; ESTC S111501; Bartlett 342; Greg I:306(a). Not in Pforzheimer
Condition
4to (6 3/4 x 4 7/8 in.; 170 x 124 mm). Woodcut initials and headpieces; title-page lightly soiled and a trifle frayed and with minor restoration including a portion of the initial "The" in facsimile, I4 with neat marginal restoration, a number of headlines and shoulder-notes shaved, H1 with tiny rusthole touching a few letters. Blue morocco gilt by Sangorski & Sutcliffe, gilt edges; extremities rubbed.
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.
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; fantastically rare: this appears to be the first complete copy offered at auction since the Huth copy reappeared at Sotheby's in 1938.
In his entertaining address "To the Reader"—which mentions Shakespeare—Webster claims to have decided to publish his revenge tragedy because its first performance at the Red Bull Theatre was so ill-received: "it was acted, in so dull a time of Winter, presented in so open and blacke a Theater, that it wanted (that which is the onely grace and setting out of a Tragedy) a full and understanding Auditory: and that since that time I have noted, most of the people that come to that Play-house, resemble those ignorant asses (who visiting Stationers shoppes their use is not to inquire for good books, but new books) I present it to the general view with this confidence."