Extremely RARE 1st Edition, 1769, Life and Adventures of Common Sense, by Herbert Lawrence. Superb condition. The first book to question Shakespeare's talents.
Author: [Herbert Lawrence]
Title: The Life and Adventures of Common Sense: An Historical Allegory
Publisher: Printed for Montagu Lawrence, Stationer At the Globe, near Durham-Yard, in the Strand.
Year: MDCCLXIX (1769). 1st Edition.
Pages: [1 Blank], 251 pp., [1 Blank]. COMPLETE.
Size: 12mo (4.5" by 7.75")
Language: English
Condition: Binding is Near Fine, Text is Very Good to Near Fine.
This is a nearly unobtainable title. This is a very important work, especially among Shakespeare scholars. This work is a novel by the surgeon, apothecary and intimate friend of David Garrick. The novel includes an episode involving Shakespeare and, beyond one of the first appearances of the playwright in fiction, the passage has become an important part of the Baconian argument (in 1927 a Maggs Brothers catalogue calls this work "the first book to attribute the authorship of Shakespeare's plays to Bacon"). What is most striking about the book we offer is that it is not only exceedingly rare but also in exemplary condition, bound by Zaehnsdorf ca. 1880 (the premier European binder before the turn of the century). In other words, one would not find this book in better condition. This book is a great find in every aspect. Shortly after this volume was published, a continuation was published in another volume; this is why, often, you will find copies of this work sold as two volumes. But the present volume is the primary volume (and the most important, in its mention of Shakespeare) and is complete in itself. The early Zaehnsdorf binding is wonderful. Full, speckled calf, blindstamped boards and spine. Gold title and date at the base of the spine. We find no flaws save very light rubbing to the corners (though not rubbed completely through) and a tiny chip at the top edge of one board. The book has been well preserved. The text is Very Good to Near Fine, like the binding. The marbled end-papers are beautiful, and the pages are clean. A few pages show a little age toning (but certainly very slight). The text, and the entire book for that matter, shows signs of far less than average use. Clean, square, tight, and extremely scarce, this book will be a true gem for your collection.
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