Troilus and Cressida. 1679

[SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616)] – DRYDEN, John (1631-1700). Troilus and Cressida, or, Truth Found too Late. A Tragedy as it is Acted at the Dukes Theatre. London: printed for Jacob Tonson and Abel Swall, 1679.

First edition of Dryden’s adaptation, issue with Tonson’s name before Swall’s in the imprint. ‘This “heroic” adaptation long held the boards to the exclusion of Shakespeare’s original. Dryden stated that “the whole fifth act, both plot and writing are my own additions”. The preface, containing the author’s criticism of Shakespearian and contemporary tragedy is now more often read than the play it precedes’ (Pforzheimer). Bartlett 164; ESTC R16367; Jaggard p.476; Pforzheimer 915; Wing D-2388.

Quarto (213 x 153mm). (Lightly washed, tiny rust hole in D4 touching two letters, without the ‘To Mr. Dryden’ leaf which is occasionally found.) Burgundy crushed morocco by Riviere, ruled in gilt on covers, gilt spine and turn-ins. Provenance: some faint early annotations and underlining.

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