{"product_id":"1st-octavo-ed-1711-beaumont-fletcher-7-vol-works-set-w-copper-engraved-plates","title":"1st Octavo Ed 1711 Beaumont \u0026 Fletcher 7 Vol Works Set W\/ Copper Engraved Plates","description":"\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverview:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA highly collectible and early 18th-century complete set of The Works of Mr. Francis Beaumont and Mr. John Fletcher, published in London circa 1711. This handsome 7-volume octavo (8vo) set is bound in contemporary full calf leather, retaining its original character and integrity.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach volume features engraved plates (“adorn’d with cuts”), along with individual title pages for numerous plays, making this a substantial and visually appealing collection of early English drama.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Beaumont \u0026amp; Fletcher:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFrancis Beaumont and John Fletcher were among the most important playwrights of the English Renaissance. Writing during the Jacobean period, they were contemporaries of William Shakespeare and, in the decades following his death, their plays were actually among the most frequently performed on the English stage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheir collaborative works, such as The Knight of the Burning Pestle and The Spanish Curate, blend comedy, tragedy, and satire, and played a major role in shaping early modern English theatre. This collection represents one of the earliest widely circulated editions of their works, preserving their legacy for 18th-century audiences.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout Jacob Tonson:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis edition was issued by Jacob Tonson, one of the most important and influential publishers in early 18th-century London. Tonson was a central figure in the development of English literary publishing and is closely associated with many of the greatest writers of the period. He was particularly famous for being a part of the various Shakespeare personal reading releases (Made after the printing of the folios).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHe was the principal publisher for authors such as John Milton, John Dryden, and Joseph Addison, and played a key role in establishing the commercial viability of collected literary works. Tonson was also instrumental in forming what became known as the “Tonson dynasty,” a family publishing enterprise that dominated the London book trade for decades.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEditions bearing Tonson’s imprint are widely regarded as significant within the history of English literature, often representing some of the earliest collected or illustrated printings of major authors. His involvement in the publication of Beaumont and Fletcher reflects both the enduring popularity of their plays and Tonson’s role in preserving and disseminating important works of the English Renaissance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAbout the Illustrations – The Vandergucht Engravers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe engraved plates in this edition are characteristic of early 18th-century London book production and are widely attributed to the workshop of Michael Vandergucht and his son Gerard Vandergucht, both highly regarded engravers of their time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMichael Vandergucht, a Flemish-born engraver active in London, was known for producing detailed copperplate illustrations for important literary and classical works. His son Gerard continued and expanded this practice, becoming one of the most prolific book illustrators and print publishers of the 18th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Vandergucht workshop was closely associated with major London publishers and contributed illustrations to numerous significant publications, particularly in drama, history, and classical literature. Their engravings are noted for their clarity, narrative detail, and ability to bring theatrical scenes vividly to life.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhile not all plates in such editions are individually signed, the style and period strongly suggest production within this influential engraving circle. The inclusion of these finely executed copperplate illustrations enhances both the visual appeal and collectability of the set.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvenance: Armorial Bookplate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis set bears an engraved armorial bookplate of William Henry Parr, featuring a heraldic coat of arms with a chevron and lion faces, along with the motto \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“Per aspera ad astra”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e = “Through hardships to the stars”. The design corresponds to a recognised form of the Parr family arms, an established English gentry lineage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe presence of a named armorial bookplate indicates ownership within a private gentleman’s library and provides a tangible link to the book’s historical provenance. Such plates were typically commissioned by individuals of standing and are valued by collectors as evidence of a book’s passage through successive collections.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChristopher Rowe:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eActive likely late 18th–early 19th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWorked as a schoolmaster in Norwich and later Bristol\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHad strong antiquarian interests, especially:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e17th-century English printing and bookselling\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eParticularly the printer\/bookseller Humphrey Moseley \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHis Library:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA private scholarly library, not institutional\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFocus appears to include:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAntiquarian history\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNumismatics (medals, coins)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEarly modern English print culture\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBooks from his collection occasionally surface on the market with:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBookplates (“Ex Libris Christopher Rowe”)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOwnership inscriptions or annotations\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSet Details:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTitle: The Works of Mr. Francis Beaumont and Mr. John Fletcher\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFormat: 7 volumes (complete)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: Octavo (8vo)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePublication: London, circa 1711\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrations: Engraved plates throughout\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eContents: Includes notable plays such as:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Knight of the Burning Pestle\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Spanish Curate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWit Without Money\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Night-Walker\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd many others\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding \u0026amp; Condition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding: Contemporary full calf leather\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSpines: Raised bands with worn gilt decoration\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStructurally sound overall\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAge-related wear, rubbing, and scuffing to boards and spines\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePages generally clean with expected toning\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCopper engraved plates present\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe total collection weighs 4.4 KG\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEach individual book is:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight - 20cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWidth - 12.5cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThickness - 4cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Momo Rare Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54960531112275,"sku":null,"price":800.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0953\/9187\/5411\/files\/IMG_3305.jpg?v=1789561173","url":"https:\/\/www.momorarebooks.co.uk\/products\/1st-octavo-ed-1711-beaumont-fletcher-7-vol-works-set-w-copper-engraved-plates","provider":"Momo Rare Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}