Antique 1887 Shakespeare\'s Complete Works Belford Clarke Decorative HC Binding For Sale

This is a late-19th-century American edition of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, published in 1887 by Belford, Clarke & Co. of Chicago and New York. The volume was edited by W. G. Clark and W. Aldis Wright, with illustrations by John Gilbert, B.A. Introductions to the individual plays are adapted from Professor Dowden’s Shakespearean Primer, and the plays are arranged in chronological order. It belongs to the decorative “Brunnel Poets” style of bindings popular in the period.
Physical Description & Condition:The book is a substantial hardcover bound in brown cloth with elaborate black and gilt stamping. The front cover features a dramatic central motif of a winged mythical creature (griffin/dragon-like) surrounded by large gold chrysanthemums, scrolling patterns, and the banners “SHAKESPEARE’S WORKS.” The spine carries matching decoration and the publisher’s name.
Condition is Fair, consistent with a heavily used 139-year-old volume. The cloth shows significant wear: frayed and rubbed edges and corners, spine rubbing, and visible hinge stress with fraying at the joints. The decorative endpapers (floral pattern) have tears and losses. There is an early ownership inscription on the front flyleaf reading “Minot E. Scott, San Francisco, Cal.” Pages exhibit typical age toning and edge wear but appear complete and readable from the views provided; the text block remains solid. The binding holds but shows clear signs of age and use.
This is an attractive period decorative binding of Shakespeare’s complete works, valued by collectors of Victorian cloth bindings, Shakespeare editions, and late-19th-century American publishing.
Buyers should review the pictures provided with the posting to determine the actual condition of the item, as the item in the pictures is what you would receive.
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