Scarce First Edition,


A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM.

By William Shakespeare.


Line Drawings Illustrated By Robert Anning Bell.


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).


Edited with an Introduction by Israel Gollancz.


First Published MDCCCXCV (1895) by J. M. Dent & Co, Aldine House, London.


The inside cover has a section which reads as follows,

This Book Belongs To Richard De Zouche Hall, from Lilian Hall.


Sir Robert de Zouche Hall, GCMG (27 April 1904 – 19 March 1995) was an English colonial governor. He served in Sierra Leone and Tanganyika. Robert was born in Liverpool, from parents Arthur William Hall & Beatrice Margaret Hall (née de Zouche).


A bookseller label reads W. H. Greenwood Stationer & Bookseller, 390 Park Road, Liverpool. This matches the birth location of Sir Robert de Zouche Hall, along with his unique name we believe this was an edition gifted to him as a child by a family member.


The book measures 17cm x 21.5cm.


Please check all photographs for a good understanding of the condition.

The yellow/green cloth hardcover is significantly faded and discoloured. There’s a general lime colour, with darker discolouration around the outer edges of the boards and spine. Edges rubbed, corners bumped, black ink spot on right edge of front board, a few light marks elsewhere. Gilt title on spine bright, although a little worn. Gilt title and attractive floral design on front board, Boards holding well, joints firm with no cracking. Inside front and back cover foxed and a little spoiled. Hinges cracking slightly on front board, holding firm.

Text block in good reading condition. Yellow toning of the pages all throughout, some minor foxing in parts. Top edge gilt, dulled and scratched with age/use. Other edges are rough cut. Illustrations are attractive and detailed line drawings, no colour plates. Contents is complete.


Overall remains in good reading condition, a scarce edition with some very nice line drawings, with as described signs of age, use and wear, the cover most notable.


If you require any further information then please don't hesitate to ask. Please study all photos as these give the best indication of condition. Additional photos available upon request.