Pearson's Shakespeare (3 Volume set)

London; Nd(ca.1920): C. Arthur Pearson. Small Quarto. In three volumes: 745 (1)pp.; 770(1)pp. and 815(1)pp. Illustrated by Sir John Gilbert and engraved by the Brothers Dalziel. One of the loveliest 19th century editions of Shakespeare in the original cloth which usually had to be rebound but here is beautifully preserved save for the corners which show a bit of wear. This set was edited by the renowned chess master, Howard Staunton. Today most devotees of chess whether beginners or international masters know it is his design that dominates all serious chess but while on the way to establishing himself as a likely world chess champion, his failing health could not take the stress from tournament play. He began to concentrate on Shakespeare, producing a photolithographic reproduction of Much Ado About Nothing in 1866 and a lovely first folio edition in 1866. Beginning in 1872 he began his series Unsuspected Corruptions of Shakespeare's Plays. It is, of course, these 3 volumes which were beautifully illustrated by Sir John Gilbert that are his masterpiece. Bound in brown pictorial gilt cloth, light wear to corners, small nick near upper joint of volume previous owner's name. A handsome set.