Shakespeare, William. The plays, with the corrections and illustrations of various commenatators. To which are added notes by Sam. Johnson. 8 volumes. With engraved portrait. 20 x 12.5 cm. Later smoothed calfskin ribbons (geringly rubbed, 1 lower corner of band I slightly toasted, 1 lid with small plunge track) with rich ornamental gilding, lid border and 2 colored gold-embossed R signs each. London, Tonson and others, 1765. Jaggard S. 501. Lowndes III, 2260f. – First edition of the epochal Shakespeare edition, published by Samual Johnson (1709-1784). "The first edition edited by the famous lexicographer, the first variorum edition, and the foundation of hundreds of subordinate issues" (Jaggard). "It was acknowledged to be superior to any of its predecessors, and its preface commanded universal administration" (Lowndes) – In places a little tanned and sticky (the portrait is more affected), two volumes with narrow moisture margin. Overall beautiful specimen in remarkably decorative calf leather ribbons with rich back gilding.