Fine Printed Books & Manuscripts, Including Americana

4to (210 x 165 mm). (Upper margins trimmed, affecting title, running headlines, and paginations, light dampstaining to upper margins, A2 (dedication) partially in facsimile with upper portion torn away). Disbound, resewn.

SECOND EDITION of Shadwell's adaptation. "The main feature of Shadwell’s Timon was the introduction of the theme of love into the one play in the canon in which women play no significant part. This was doubtless the chief cause of its popularity" (The Life of Timon of Athens, p.xliv). Shadwell’s version continued to be played well into the eighteenth century. ESTC R17054; Jaggard p.471; Wing S-2849. [With:] another copy. London: H. Hills, 1710. Disbound. [With:] another copy. London: s.n, 1732. Disbound.

[With:] SHAKESPEARE. -- DRYDEN, John (1631-1700). Troilus and Cressida, or, Truth Found too Late. A Tragedy as it is Acted at the Dukes Theatre. London: printed for Jacob Tonson and Abel Swall, 1679. 4to (222 x 165 mm). (Small tear to title-page margin not affecting letters, light marginal toning). Disbound. FIRST EDITION of Dryden’s adaptation. "This 'heroic' adaptation long held the boards to the exclusion of Shakespeare’s original. Dryden stated that 'the whole fifth act, both plot and writing are my own additions'. The preface, containing the author’s criticism of Shakespearean and contemporary tragedy, is now more often read than the play it precedes" (Pforzheimer). Bartlett 164; ESTC R16367; Jaggard p.476; Pforzheimer 915.

Together, 4 works in 4 volumes.