Rare Books The Comedies, The Tragedies, The Histories & Poems of Shakespeare 6 Volume Set Modern Library Collectible Books for Readers Gift

This is a very good set of 6 hardcovers with acceptable dust jackets. Modern Library, no publication date given inside, but circa 1947-1959 series from Modern Library. Each of the 6 hardcovers in this set are very good inside and out. The inside pages have light natural tanning from age but are clean with no foxing seen. Red hardcover boards on each are also very good with only light shelf wear. The bindings are tight and straight. Each has top page edges tipped in blue. The accompanying dust jacket are acceptable as present. Each dust jacket has been price clipped inside front cover and you will find Modern Library titles printed in the backside of each dust jacket. Each dust jacket has significant wear including tears along edges, with Volume Two of The Tragedies being the worse condition. Regardless, dust jackets accompany this set as they have protected the hardcover boards significantly from excess wear and tear. Each volume is crown octavo book size or 5" x 7.25".


Modern Library began publishing series of books in 1917. they were extremely popular, especially with students, as they were copies of great literature and topics that were priced for the general public. The publishing firm of Boni Liveright started the series, as the idea stemmed from Albert Boni. The first title published was The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. Early editions were published in "pocket book" size for easy carrying to read anywhere and they were bound in leatherette. In 1927, Random House was borne out of Modern Library and pictorial dust jackets were introduced to the series, along with hardcover boards. As publishing changed, Modern Library fell to the wayside but was "reintroduced" in the 1970's. Early editions are collectibles and later titles remain favorites as many collect Modern Library editions of all ages.

This set contains 6 volumes, being the following: The Tragedies of Shakespeare Volume One and Two, The Comedies of Shakespeare Volume One and Two, and The Histories and Poems of Shakespeare Volume One and Two. Each is complete and unabridged with notes and glossary.

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