Word: first
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Dates: during 1920-1929
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There are in the assemblage numerous first editions and folios, among which a notable one is a first folio edition of Shakespeare, of which there is but one other copy in existence. This was bought by Mr. Widener for $20,000 not long after he graduated from Harvard, in 1907, and now has a value of at least $70,000. Although this is the price listed, it would be hard to procure one of the first folio editions even at that cost...
Another of the extremely valuable copies in the collection is the first edition of the "Martyrs" of John Foxe, entitled as follows: "Actes and monuments of these latter and perillous dayes, touching matters of the Church, wherein are comprehended and described the great persocutions and terrible troubles, that have been wrought and practised by the Romishe Prelates, speciallye in this Realme of England and Scotlande, from the yeare of our Lorde a thousande, unto the tyme nowe present." It has the original stamped vellum binding...
Among the first editions of several of William Makespeace Thackeray's works is a copy of "The History of Henry Esmond. Esq. A Colonel in the Service of Her Majest Queen Anne, Written by Himself." This is of particular interest because it is the presentation copy; inscribed in Thackeray's handwriting: "Miss Brote, with W. M. Thackeray's grateful regards. October...
...early work of great value is the first edition of Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queene." This has the dedication: "To the most Mightie and Magnificent Empresse Elizabeth, by the grace of God QUeene of England, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c. Her most humble Servant: Ed Spenser." This copy is full of misprints and mistakes in the numbering of the pages; on page 332 blank spaces have been left for the insertion of Welsh words...
...story of the most noble and worthy Kynge Arthur, the which was the fyrst of the worthyes chrysten, and also of his noble and valyaunt knyghtes of the rounde Tablo." A small folio, olive morocco in color, and with gilt edges, this book is beautifully illustrated in the first portion, with fancy wood-cuts...