Tales from Shakespeare, Volume II by Mary and Charles Lamb

A handsome early twentieth-century edition of Tales from Shakespeare by Mary and Charles Lamb, featuring scholarly introductions by the renowned Shakespearean scholar Dr. F. J. Furnivall and beautifully illustrated by Harold Copping. Published by Raphael Tuck & Sons Ltd, this attractive Volume II was produced during the golden age of illustrated gift books and remains a desirable edition for collectors of Shakespeare, Victorian and Edwardian literature, and fine illustrated books.

Rather than presenting Shakespeare’s plays in their original dramatic form, Charles and Mary Lamb retell the great tragedies and comedies as engaging prose narratives while preserving the spirit, language and moral depth of the originals. For generations Tales from Shakespeare has served as one of the finest introductions to Shakespeare for younger readers while remaining a treasured collectible for adults.

This edition of Tales from Shakespeare is enhanced by Harold Copping’s finely executed full-page illustrations, each protected by its original titled tissue guard printed in red. The inclusion of every plate and protective sheet adds significantly to the book’s collectability, as these delicate tissues are frequently missing from surviving copies. Furnivall’s scholarly introductions further distinguish this edition from standard reprints, providing historical and literary context from one of the leading Shakespearean authorities of his era.

Bound in navy blue cloth with an elegant gilt-stamped crest and decorative borders, Tales from Shakespeare is an attractive shelf copy that reflects the quality associated with Raphael Tuck & Sons’ deluxe illustrated publications. It is an appealing acquisition for collectors of Shakespeare, illustrated classics, Edwardian publishing, and children’s literary history.

Condition – Very Good

Navy blue cloth hardcover with gilt-stamped crest and border decoration. Unknown stain to the upper left of the front board. Gilt lettering on the spine remains bright and fully legible. Minor wear and damage to the head and tail of the spine. Internally clean and complete with all illustrated plates, their original titled tissue guards, and red-printed plate captions present.