SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616). The Works of William Shakespear. Alexander Pope, editor. London: Jacob Tonson [-J. Darby for A. Bettesworth], [1723-]1725.

7 volumes, 4to (279 x 216 mm). General title-page for the set (printed in red and black, dated 1725), individual titles in other volumes dated 1723, the seventh dated 1725, with one (of 2) engraved portraits of Shakespeare by Vertue (often missing), engraved head-pieces and initials. (Light scattered spotting, occasional light browning, several leaves washed.) Contemporary polished calf (re-backed preserving original spine laid down, retaining gilt lettering-pieces for all but one on the seventh volume, fore-corners rubbed, a few scuffs to covers, some volumes with fresh endpapers). Provenance: Frederick William Child- Villiers (1815-1871), British Conservative politician (armorial bookplate).

THE FIRST QUARTO EDITION of Shakespeare's works, the first edition edited by Pope, one of only 750 sets printed. "If ever any author deserved the name of an Original, it was Shakespear...The Poetry of Shakespear was Inspiration indeed: he is not so much an Imitator, as an Instrument, of Nature; and 'tis not so just to say that he speaks from her, as that she speaks thro' him" (Pope's preface). The present engraving is supposed to be the Stratford bust but it is "unlike it, inasmuch as it gives the poet a profusion of hair" (Jaggard). Ford, pp.19-21; Jaggard, p.498; Lowndes, 2259; Allibone II:2017.

[With:] THEOBALD, Lewis. Shakespeare restored: or, a specimen of the many errors, as well committed, as unamended, by Mr. Pope in his late edition of this poet. London: R. Francklin, [&c.], 1726. Contemporary paneled calf (rebacked). Provenance: F. Grant (bookplate); Willis Vickery (bookplate).

This lot is located in Chicago.

SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616). The Works of William Shakespear. Alexander Pope, editor. London: Jacob Tonson [-J. Darby for A. Bettesworth], [1723-]1725.

SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616). The Works of William Shakespear. Alexander Pope, editor. London: Jacob Tonson [-J. Darby for A. Bettesworth], [1723-]1725.