Description

Easton Press leather edition Marchette Chute's "Shakespeare of London," a COLLECTOR'S edition, With a Foreword by JOHN HOUSEMAN, one LIBRARY OF GREAT LIVES series, published between 1988. Bound in burgundy, the book has camel tan moire silk end leaves, Symth-sewn binding, acid-free paper, a satin book marker, hubbed spine, gold gilding on three edges---in near FINE condition---except for 'very minor' imperfection to gilt---mentioned for accuracy. William Shakespeare, who lived from 1564 – 1616, was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's greatest dramatist. He is often called England's national poet and the "Bard of Avon." In the Foreword, Houseman wrote: "Theatre is generally recognized as the highest manifestation of human culture; it is also the most ephemeral. Chute wrote: "In dealing with Shakespeare's life, I have taken what seems to me the safest course and have based it entirely on contemporary documents." Shakespeare wrote some 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and two long narrative poems. His plays have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. Shakespeare was born and raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire. At the age of 18, he married Anne Hathaway, with whom he had three children: Susanna and twins Hamnet and Judith. Sometime between 1585 and 1592, he began a successful career in London as an actor, writer, and part-owner of a playing company called the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Outside of Shakespeare's plays, the King's Men presented Ben Jonson's excellent comedy, "The Alchemist." At age 49---around 1613--- he appears to have retired to Stratford, where he died three years later. John Houseman, who lived from 1902-1988, was a unique figure in the 20th century history of the dramatic arts; he was a majestic actor and director. Houseman was a professor at Vassar, Bernard, and University of California. 395 pages, including a Selected Bibliography and an index. Combined shipping is available.