The Comedies, Tragedies, and Operas Written by John Dryden. Now first collected together, and corrected from the originals. In two volumes. Published by Jacob Tonson, Thomas Bennet, and Richard Wellington in London in 1701, folios.
[Macdonald 107ai]
THE VERY RARE FIRST COLLECTED EDITION OF THE WORKS OF JOHN DRYDEN. BOUND IN STUNNING CAMBRIDGE PANELLED BINDINGS WITH BEAUTIFUL REBACKED SPINES.
Previously held at Pembroke College, Cambridge University.
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Christie's 14th April 2004 lot 29 realised $1,135 (USD) [$1,950 inflation adjusted for 2023]. Here is an opportunity to get a significant book at a great price!
Size: 23 x 35 cm (approx.)
Condition:
[i-vi], [1-618], [i-ii], [1-558]. "There are numerous errors in pagination, most prevalent in vol. II" [Macdonald 107ai]. However, both volumes appear to be complete according to the generally accepted collation, with the exception of the frontispiece in volume one which is lacking.
Spines near fine with some light superficial scratches. Gilt is very bright and the tooled red morocco labels show very well indeed. A very attractive set of folios on the shelf, certainly one of the most attractive we have come across. Some edge repair with the rebacking. Contemporary joints fine with all boards securely attached and both volumes are without any shelf lean. Boards are probably original, though the pastedowns have been replaced and the hinges reinforced. Boards with some scuffs and scratches with some loss and discolouration to the first volume.
Some mild toning throughout the text blocks as typical with very light and sporadic dampstaining but generally they remain internally excellent with all text legible. Some heavier toning through pp.399-526 in the first volume. Some edge toning of preliminaries as commensurate with the calf bindings. A few ownership inscriptions on blanks which are small and non-intrusive without any marginalia through the volumes.
