The Life of Sir John Falstaff; A biography of the knight from authentic sources
London: Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts, 1858. First Edition. Royal 8vo; 9 1/2 x 6 5/8 inches (242 x 168 mm); Half title, frontispiece + title, xi-xx, 196 pp. 20 engraved plates with tissue guards, including frontispiece portrait of the knight all etched by George Cruikshank, plus one woodcut on page following title page. Three-quarter red morocco binding by Root & Son (binder's stamp of f.f.) with gold rules and a gilt facsimile signature of G. Cruikshank on the front red cloth panel. Raised bands, gilt titles, marbled endpapers, t.e.g. Pages toned on the edges but clean throughout; binding tight and square with covers professionally reattached, small chips at tail of spine.
[Cohn 96].
A humorous pictorial recollection of the prominent events in the imaginary career of Shakespeare's most amusing character, seen through his genealogy and various episodes of his life, such as "How Mr. John Falstaff was Knighted by King Richard the Second," or his "Disgrace." This work contains 20 stunning etched plates by George Cruikshank who depicts twenty scenes from the adventures of Sir John Falstaff with expressive lines and an abundance of humorous detail.
The book was also issued in 10 parts between 1857 and 1858 and the etching issued as a stand-alone portfolio on large paper.
Condition: Near fine.
Item number: 1615
Price: $650.00
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