As You Like It: WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE, 1777; A Very Rare Edition in Commerce!

As You Like it, by William Shakespeare, printed in London by J. Wenman in 1777.

A rather scarce edition in commerce.

For similar, see Christie's 11th Dec 2019 lot 117 realising 1000 GBP.

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Released by Joseph Wenman as part of his 'Theatrical Library' series (1776-1781). Illustrated with engraved portraits of the principal characters and in some cases, actors representing said characters.

Octavo, 23pp, with scarce frontis. Printed in double columns with headpieces at the top of the opening page and printed devices between the acts. Indeed a rather uncommon edition of Shakespeare's As You Like It. Following the printing of this edition, David Erskine Baker remarked that this may be "the truest pastoral drama that was ever written; nor is it ever seen without pleasure to all present".

Condition: Very Good (VG-)

Disbound, these editions were released disbound, though this copy has been secured inside paper wraps with tape to inner gutter. Possibly issued with Colley Cibber's 'Damon and Phillida' which is not present here (ESTC T22526), though no copy of these bound together has been traced. Leaves lightly toned with sporadic minor foxing which is generally not obtrusive to the text. Stain to title page as pictured. Tear to leaves pp7-8, 21-22 affecting a few letters of text to first and a few words to second. Generally a very good copy of this rather scarce publication of one of Shakespeare's plays.