SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM. THE DRAMATIC WORKS...REVISED BY GEORGE STEEVENS, 1802 (9 VOL.)

18 parts in 9 volumes, folio (414 x 302mm), with the prefaces by Pope and Johnson, 96 COPPERPLATES (including frontispieces in each volume and engraved plates throughout), contemporary horizontally-grained dark blue morocco ornately gilt, covers with outer fillets enclosing border of pictorial ovals (masks, musical instruments, swords, scales, crowns, quills, scrolls) enclosing inner panel with corner- and side-pieces of fleurons and leafy scrolls, chocolate endpapers, all edges gilt, extremities and edges of bindings sometimes worn and rubbed, some previous repairs to joints, upper cover of volume 8 nearly detached, other joints slightly split, some covers scuffed, some gatherings slightly loose, some offsetting and foxing to plates and text, occasional damp-staining

Jaggard p.508

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

This edition contains Boydell's fine series of one hundred large copperplates from paintings by Reynolds,  Smirke, Northcote, Porter, Stothard, Hamilton, Bunbury, Opie and Westall. The plates were issued serially from 1791 onwards. George Steevens, the "Puck" of Shakespeare commentators and scholars, was responsible for editing the text and correction of the press, although the edition was not published until 1802, two years after his death.