William Shakespeare - The Complete Works
Edited by Peter Alexander
Published by Collins: London 1954
"This handsome 1954 Collins edition of William Shakespeare: The Complete Works, edited by renowned scholar Peter Alexander, presents the Bard's full canon in a clear and authoritative text based on mid-twentieth-century advances in Shakespearean scholarship. Alexander's introduction and extensive glossary provide valuable guidance for both casual readers and serious students, while the editor's meticulous revisions—drawing on the work of Pollard, Greg, McKerrow and others—place this edition among the more respected mid-century attempts to stabilise Shakespeare's texts through historical and bibliographical analysis. Bound in rich maroon boards and housed in its original matching slipcase, it offers durability and a classic presentation.
The volume brings together all the comedies, histories, tragedies, and poems in Collins' celebrated Clear-Type Press format, known for its highly readable layout and balanced typography. Particularly attractive are the full-colour illustrations, such as the vivid plate accompanying The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which add a welcome visual dimension without overwhelming the text. Each play is arranged with helpful stage notes, scene divisions and period-appropriate editorial clarifications, providing a reading experience that feels both scholarly and accessible.
Produced during the post-war revival of fine British bookmaking, this edition remains an appealing combination of scholarship, readability and presentation. Its sturdy slipcase, elegant printing and respected editorial framework make it an excellent choice for readers seeking a comprehensive Shakespeare in a single volume, as well as collectors of mid-century literary editions and admirers of classic British publishing."
Light wear and fading to slip case. Cover with very light stains on front otherwise clean and in excellent condition. Pages very clean, crisp and bright. Very good condition overall. Please study photos to further understand condition.
