Description

First Edition, Second State. Bound in 19th century half-leather over marbled paper covered boards. Top edge gilt, marbled endpapers. Tales translated by Thomas Roscoe, illustrated by George Cruikshank with 16 full page plates. Includes the “Dead Rider” plate which was later suppressed, at page 62, albeit title page altered by inclusion of the pomegranate plate and correction for the word “creditor” made p. 32, line 10 signifying second state. Mounted on the front endpaper is a pencil sketch done on India paper of two lovers sharing a kiss, reminiscent of the style and flavor of the illustrations within. Sketch is signed though illegible. A nice selection of Italian short novels, chosen as mush for their droll wit as for their passing familarity, since many served as inspiration for the subpplots in Shakespeare’s dramas. A handsome copy with raised , gilt decorated spine divided into six compartments. Incidental shelf wear to paper covered boards and very minor foxing to plates, not affecting images. A near fine copy.