The Plays of William Shakespeare

London: Wynne and Scholey, 1803-1804. Leather. Fair. 8.5" by 5". Not stated. Eight volumes containing all the dramatic works of William Shakespeare. Eight volumes of the dramatic works of William Shakespeare, each with a brief critical introduction by museum curator and antiquary Francis Douce. This edition is printed from the text of George Steeven's last edition, and includes a copy of Shakespeare's will in volume I. Prior owner's bookplate to the front pastedown, 'Joseph Knight, Kelby Lodge'. The bookplate has the motto 'nun quam non paratus' printed on it, meaning 'never unprepared'. Pagination: [4],xxxii, 83, [4], iii, 84, [4], iii, 104, [4], ii, 94, [4], iii, 106pp [8], ii, 99, [4], ii, 80, [4], i, 108, [4], x, 99, [4], ii, 103pp [8], i, 111, [4], ii, 103, [4], iii, 120, [4], ii, 72, [4], 95pp [8], ii, 101, [4], ii, 111, [4], 114, [4], iii, 126, [4], ii, 125pp [8], iii, 122, [4], ii, 130, [4], iv, 128, [4], iv, 150pp [8], ii, 125, [4], iii, 135, [4], ii, 98, [4],144pp [8], 101, [4], 111, [4], 159, [4], 101, [4], 101pp [8], v, 139, [3], iv, 123, iv, [4], 152, [4], ii, 134pp, [26] In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart. All volumes are rubbed to the spine, with volumes II and III missing an inch of calf to the tail and head of the spine respectively. Volumes V, VII and VIII are missing just a slither of calf to head of the spine, and volume VII is missing the embossed gilt roman numerals to the spine. Volume I has a couple of inch-long tears to the rear joint, volume II has a small tear at the rear joint near the head of the spine, whilst volume IV has a small tear in the calf to the front joint. Internally, firmly bound. There is light to moderate scattered foxing throughout all volumes, a little heavier to the opening pages of volume VII. Fair