The Works of Mr. William Congreve

Birmingham: John Baskerville, 1761. Leather. Good. 9" by 5.5". Not Stated. The complete collection of the satirical and tragic plays of the Restoration playwright William Congreve, illustrated beautifully detailed plates. Complete in three volumes. A collection of the plays and poems of William Congreve, the English Restoration playwright and poet. Illustrated with a frontispiece to each volume. Volume I illustrated with two plates. Volume II illustrated with one plate. Congreve was known for his satirical dialogue, and his influence on the popular comedy of manners style of the era. He was also known for his well written dialogue, in his plays 'The Old Bachelor', 'The Way of the World', and 'The Mourning Bride'. His other plays are 'The Double Dealer' and 'Love for Love'. Congreve only wrote five plays, with a brief but successful career, his plays written between 1693 and 1700. He was also a member of the Whig Kit-Kat CLub, turning his career towards politics after his brief playwright career. Bookplate to the front pastedowns, 'Peter Wilson Ward-Jackson'. In a full calf binding. Externally, generally smart. Volume II and III lacking spine labels. Cracks to the joints. Bumping to the head and tail of the spines and to the extremities, with some loss to the head and tail of the spines. Marks and rubbing to the boards, resulting in a small amount of loss of leather. Bookplate to the front pastedowns. Hinges are starting but firm. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are lightly age-toned with some spots. Good