[Lamb, Charles and Mary- Scarce First Edition, First Issue, With Mulready's Illustrations Likely Engraved by Blake] Tales from Shakespeare Designed for the Use of Young Persons

Lamb, Charles and Mary

Published by Thomas Hodgkins, at The Juvenile Library, London, 1807

First Edition, First Issue. Two Volumes. 12mo. Bound in contemporary half calf, both volumes with double morocco spine labels. The rare first issue, with printer's imprint to the foot of vol. 1 p. 236 (T. Davison,Printer,/ Whiterfriars, and containing the address "Hanway Street" in vol. 2 advertisements. Engraved frontispieces and 18 plates after William Mulready, 3pp. advertisements at end of vol. 2. Seldom seen, this is the first issue of the Lambs most recognizable work, considered the first attempt to make Shakespeare accessible to a young audience. The book was commissioned by William Godwin's children's publishing house. Mary Lamb (1764-1847), whose name was omitted from the earliest editions, contributed the majority of the stories, while Charles worked on the six tragedies. The plates were designed by William Mulready, and are often said to have been engraved by William Blake. There is light and occasional spotting, some light browning; binding somewhat rubbed, joints worn. Preserved in modern custom chemises and modern half calf drop-back box. Provenance: "Charlotte Allen" (ink signatures to titles, dated 1809). Seller Inventory # 6650

Bibliographic Details

Title: [Lamb, Charles and Mary- Scarce First ...
Publisher: Thomas Hodgkins, at The Juvenile Library, London
Publication Date: 1807
Edition: First Edition, First Issue.