Shakespeare, William | Titus Andronicus—first Ravenscroft edition

Shakespeare, William

Titus Andronicus, or the Rape of Lavinia. Acted at the Theatre Royall, a tragedy, alter'd from Mr. Shakespear's works, by Mr. Edw. Ravenscroft. London: printed by J.B. for J. Hindmarsh, 1687

4to (206 x 145 mm). Somewhat browned, the title more so, mended tears in gutter margin of first two leaves touching one letter and in some leaves near the end, fore-edge trimmed affecting a few letters of the imprint, top edge trimmed touching a few page numbers. Half leather and marbled paper-covered boards; extremities rubbed.

"Why, foolish Lucius, dost thou not perceive

That Rome is but a wilderness of tigers?" (Titus Andronicus, 3:1)

First Ravenscroft edition. The editor characterizes the play as "the most incorrect and indigested piece in all is works," and "a heap of rubbish." He subsequently made many changes, adding scenes and expanding the plot so that it is even more violent than the original.

REFERENCE:

Bartlett 178; Wing S-2949

PROVENANCE:

Sotheby's New York, 17 July 2011, lot 63 (part)