Lot 57: An extensively extra-illustrated set with original watercolors from the library of Irving Berlin

SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM, edited W. E. HENLEY

The Works of William Shakespeare. Edinburgh: T. & A. Constable, [circa 1904]. A unique extra-illustrated set extended from 10 to 40 volumes by the Edinboro Publishing Co., with a special printed leaf to that effect, indicating that the set contains 240 watercolor drawings by Jean de Paleologue (PAL), 120 illuminative and decorative designs by Easton, 80 watercolor drawings by Gifford, 24 by Schultetus, and 18 by Daniel Garber, and "upwards of 2500" etchings, steel, copper and wood engravings, mezzotints etc. N.B. We have not confirmed this claimed count. Full plain red Janseniste morocco by MacDonald, the full pale brown morocco front doublures inset with portraits of Shakespearian characters under glass, matching rear doublures with a motif of theatrical masks in gilt, broad ruled dentelles, moire silk endsheets. The bindings have all been sturdily rebacked. 12 5/8 x 8 1/8 inches (32 x 20.5 cm); various paginations. Some scratches and wear to bindings, rebacked as noted.

This set is among of the most extravagant examples of extra-illustration we have encountered. Extra-illustration was the forte of the Edinboro Publishing Company, which produced numerous such works in the early part of the century, but the present set of Shakespeare far exceeds anything else we have encountered from them.

This set was owned by Irving Berlin and his wife Katherine Mackay and descended to their daughter Mary Ellin Barrett.