Proofs of the Illustrations to Shakespeare's Dramatic Works, published by Charles Whittingham, Chiswick, 1826

73 wood engravings on 65 leaves, engraved by John Thompson after drawings by Stothard, Corbould, Harvey, et. al. 12mo. Charles Whittingham's (the uncle) very popular 1826 edition in 10 volumes, was edited by the scholar Samuel Weller Signer, with a life of the author by Dr. Charles Symmons. The verso of the title-page reads "With sixty engravings on wood, by John Thompson; from drawings by Stothard, Corbould, Harvey, etc. . in ten volumes". This delightful set of proofs contains a total of 73 images, including the portrait of Shakespeare by Stothard, and the wonderful full-page frontispiece, designed by Harvey. See Warren, The Charles Whittingham Printers, pp. 101 & 107; Muir, Victorian Illustrated Books, pp. 53-54 Full straight-grained blue morocco, stamp-signed by the binder "J. Leighton Brewer St" (his address after 1820). Bookplate of Clarence C. Bemis and one other: an intriguing and highly unusual bookplate, reading "The Last political Prisoners Unconditionally Released by the United States. December 22. 1923," and a quotation from THE TEMPEST: "This Music Crept By Me Upon the Waters.? Joints slightly rubbed, internally fine 73 wood engravings on 65 leaves, engraved by John Thompson after drawings by Stothard, Corbould, Harvey, et. al. 12mo.…