CHAPMAN AND SHIRLEY. THE TRAGEDIE OF CHABOT, 1639 (1 VOL.)

FIRST EDITION, 4to (185 x 125mm), woodcut headpiece and initial, printer's ornaments, A3 mis-signed "B3", with final blank, green half calf on marbled boards, damp stained, upper hinge splitting, wear at covers

Cornelius Paine (1809-1890), ownership inscription; his sale, Sotheby's London, 16-23 February 1891, lot 605 [part lot]; Harry Buxton Forman (1842-1917), bookplate; his sale, Anderson Galleries, New York, 15-17 March 1920, lot 163; John Whipple Frothingham, bookplate

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

The Tragedy of Chabot was Chapman's final play for the public stage, written in 1610-11 for the Children of the Queen's Revels. It is a historical play based on the tribulations of Philipe de Chabot, whose judicial independence brings him into conflict with his King and friend, Francis I, until the King recognises his virtue and restores him to his posts. It was later revised by James Shirley, perhaps after Chapman's death in 1634.