SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616) – John & Josiah BOYDELL (publishers, fl. 1760-1804). A Collection of Prints from pictures painted for the purpose of illustrating the dramatic works of Shakspeare by the artists of Great Britain. London: John and Josiah Boydell, 1803.

First separate edition, in magnificent large folio, of the engraved plates for Boydell’s superb illustrated Shakespeare. “Boydell in 1786 embarked upon the most important enterprise of his life, […] the publication, by subscription, of a series of prints illustrative of Shakespeare, after pictures painted expressly for the work by English artists. For this purpose he gave commissions to all the most celebrated painters of this country for pictures, and built a gallery in Pall Mall for their exhibition” (DNB). Artists commissioned include Henry Fuseli, William Hamilton, James Northcote, John Opie, Joshua Reynolds, George Romney, Robert Smirke, Benjamin West, Joseph Wright and others. According to the prospectus of 1798, a type foundry, an ink factory, and a printing house were all specially started for the production. Jaggard p.508.

Two volumes, large folio (690 x 509mm). Titles with engraved vignettes, engraved portraits of George III and Queen Charlotte after William Beechey, and 96 engraved plates (some light spotting, minor wormtrack on front endpaper of vol. II extending to first 3 leaves). Contemporary green straight-grained morocco, covers elaborately panelled in gilt and blind, gilt edges (somewhat rubbed).