Tales From Shakespeare
By Charles and Mary Lamb
With 48 Coloured Plates by A & E Jackson
Published at Ward, Lock & Co Limited: London c1910 (undated)
All Coloured Plates Present As Called For
"Tales From Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb is one of the most enduring and influential prose retellings of Shakespeare's plays, first conceived to introduce younger readers and general audiences to the Bard's works through clear, elegant narrative. Rather than abridging the original texts, the Lambs transform the plays into flowing stories while preserving Shakespeare's plots, characters, and moral depth, making the collection both accessible and remarkably faithful in spirit. The volume brings together tragedies, comedies, and romances, including Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, offering a panoramic introduction to Shakespearean drama.
This early 20th-century Ward, Lock & Co edition is particularly distinguished by its 48 finely executed coloured plates by A. E. Jackson, whose atmospheric illustrations capture the romance, drama, and fairy-tale qualities of Shakespeare's world. Jackson's artwork reflects the Edwardian golden age of book illustration, blending soft colour palettes with theatrical composition, and greatly enhances the reading experience. The illustrations are thoughtfully integrated throughout the text, bringing key scenes and characters vividly to life and elevating the book beyond a simple literary adaptation into a visually rich collectible.
Published circa 1910 and complete with all plates as called for, this volume represents a highly desirable illustrated edition of a classic work that has shaped generations of readers' first encounters with Shakespeare. It stands equally well as a reading copy or as a display piece within a traditional library, appealing especially to collectors of illustrated literature, admirers of Shakespeare, and those with an interest in classic Edwardian book design and early 20th-century illustration."
General wear and fading to covers and spine. Inside hinges split and covers wobbly but secure. Binding is relaxed however there are no obvious loose pages or plates. All plates present as called for. Some light foxing present. Creasing to last page. A nice copy in good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
