Dramatic Works Prefatory Remarks Notes by Marlowe Christopher (1 results)

London, W. Simpkin, R. Marshall & C. Chapple, 1827. [recte 1818-1827]. Large 12mo. Bound in a beautiful contemporary, green, moiré-patterned full cloth binding with gilt title to spine. Spine and hinges neatly restored, preserving the original spine. Spine slightly faded and warped. Exlibris (S.E.G. Cox) pasted to inside of front board and ownership signatures to flyleaves. Internally clean. (6),VII,(2),47,(1) XI,(1),83,(1) V,(1),65,(1) IV,(2),83,(1) (4),40 (4),68 (4),III,(1),68 (2),IV,54,II. pp. The exceedingly rare title-issue of Oxberry's monumental edition(s) of Christopher Marlowe's (1564-1593) dramatic works, containing seven (Jew of Malta, Edward the Second, Doctor Faustus, Lust's Dominion, Massacre of Paris, Tamburlaine the Great I-II) of his eight plays in the first printings since the 17th century. During his lifetime, Marlowe achieved significant literary fame. From 1590, when he first appeared in print, through 1633, at least 16 editions of his works were published, many of which were reprinted. By the mid-17th century, however, the interest decreased significantly, and for the 150 years to come, he was virtually unread. In the years 1818-1820, Oxberry issued separate editions of Marlowe's plays (save for 'Dido'), each containing a short introduction and critical notes. In 1827, the remaining unsold copies were brought together and published, with 'Dido', in the present one-volume edition with a new, general title page. The individual plays, however, are in the original printings from 1818-1820 (and Dido, 1827), but just collected and given a newly dated title-page. Thus, although the collected edition with the new title-page was preceded by Pickering's three-volume collected edition, published in 1826, it may safely be said that Oxberry rescued Marlowe from oblivion, making the present edition one of the absolutely most important editions of his work. The copy belonged to the prominent Danish critic and collector Paul V. Rubow (1896-1972) and carries his ownership signature. Lowndes, 1480.