The Tempest by William Shakespeare, Decorated by Robert Anning Bell, 1901 First Edition

THE TEMPEST.

A Comedy By William Shakespeare. 

Decorated by Robert Anning Bell.

First Edition published 1901 by Freemantle & Co, London.

Robert Anning Bell’s early architectural training and his close friendship with architects and sculptors made him the ideal artist for decorative schemes, and by the eighteen-nineties he had become an important figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement. His early illustrative work, in pen and ink and watercolour, includes a number of Shakespeare-related volumes: Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare (1899), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1895), The Tempest (1901) and Shakespeare’s Heroines (1901).

CONDITION:

The book measures 18cm x 25cm.

There are some noticeable signs of age, use and wear. The cloth hard cover has significant discolouration mostly around the outer edges, some minor staining, bumped corners, and shelf worn edges. The spine has darkened, with title and decoration fading. Head and tail have some fraying and crushing. The upper board title and illustrations in red, fading in parts. Rear board bottom edge has a 2cm dent, likely from an impact. Joints are sound, no splitting, boards holding well.

The end papers and paste downs are illustrated in green line drawings. Front and rear matching, depicting ships, fish and birds. The pages are yellowed and foxed. Hinges are good, no splitting. Front blank end paper has an ink inscription along the top edge, "Peter, with best wishes Christmas 1910."

The text block is significantly foxed throughout, affecting the majority of the text and illustrations, though all remain legible. Age toned throughout. Bottom and Fore edge rough cut, resulting in some margin tears in parts, with no loss. No further inscriptions or notes. Overall text block binding remains tight, no loose or missing pages.

Overall the book remains in acceptable reading condition. A classic Shakespeare tale, with interesting line drawings by Robert Anning Bell. Showing its age, rough around the edges, but a pleasant edition nonetheless.

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