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An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare by Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth)

$1,400
£1,062.86
€1,215.68
CA$1,956
A$2,175.50
CHF 1,135.98
MX$26,473.55
NOK 14,508.19
SEK 13,606.13
DKK 9,073.09
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About the Item

Montagu, Mrs. (Elizabeth), 1718-1800 An Essay on the Writings and Genius of Shakespeare; An essay on the writings and genius of Shakespeare, compared with the Greek and French dramatic poets. With some remarks upon the misrepresentations of Mons. de Voltaire. London: J. Dodsley, 1769. FIRST EDITION 12mo, 8 1/2 x 5 1/8 in. (215 x 130 mm); [4],288 pp, [2]; printed on cream laid paper with light stains to the endpapers but overall the pages are clean and exceptionally bright. Speckled calf, spine with five raised bands, title in gilt and gilt fillets, edges of boards with delicate gilt decorations, all edges red; binding tight and square, with very minor bumping on corners and tail. Armorial bookplate of T. Gaitsford, S.T.P. on the front pastedown. [Franks 11572] [Allibone p. 1341; Lowndes p. 1587; ESTC T33417] Condition: Near fine A scarce first edition of the famous and controversial book by Elizabeth Montagu glorifying the work of Shakespeare and taking exception with Voltaire's interpretation of his work. This is her first book and in its first SCARCE FIRST EDITION. The book was initially published anonymously (as this copy), but her name appears on the title page of the 1777 and subsequent editions. It is an important period piece and strives to study Shakespeare in the context of the great Classical writers. Montagu includes chapters on: Dramatic Poetry, Historical Drama, Henry the IV both parts, Preternatural Beings, Macbeth, and the Death of Julius Caesar. Elizabeth Montagu (née Robinson; 2 October 1718 – 25 August 1800) was a British social reformer, patron of the arts, literary critic, writer and salonnière, sometimes called "Queen of the Blues" as she was a principal player in organizing the Blue Stockings Society, a loose organization of privileged women with an interest in education who gathered to discuss literature (sometimes inviting educated men to participate) and supporting each other in intellectual endeavours such as reading, art work, and writing. Many of their meetings were held at Mrs. Montagu's London and Bath homes. Mrs. Montagu was well placed in literary circles of the day and was widely respected for her writing and study.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 8.47 in (21.5 cm)Width: 5.12 in (13 cm)Depth: 0.79 in (2 cm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1769
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Middletown, NY
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BH4651stDibs: LU8340240576442

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