Shakespearean Literature Appraisal

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare with Notes, International Edition

This item is an antique or vintage bound book titled "COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE WITH NOTES INTERNATIONAL EDITION". The book features a rigid, hardcover construction, likely made of leather or a leatherette material, indicated by the worn texture and rich brown hue. The spine, which is prominently displayed, is dark brown with visible gold gilt lettering for the title and edition information. The decorative elements on the spine appear to be embossed or debossed, featuring intricate patterns, possibly geometric or floral, though the detail is somewhat obscured by age and wear. The overall dimensions suggest a substantial volume, likely a folio or quarto size, given its thickness when viewed from the side and the apparent weight as it's held. The condition of the book shows significant signs of age and use. The edges of the spine and corners of the cover are considerably frayed and chipped, with the underlying board or binding material exposed in places, particularly at the bottom. There is extensive surface abrasion and loss of the original finish on the spine, revealing a lighter, almost orange-brown material underneath, characteristic of aged and distressed leather. This wear suggests the book has been handled frequently and perhaps stored without proper protection. Despite the wear, the integrity of the binding appears mostly intact, as the book is still a singular unit, though its longevity in this state might be questionable. The gold lettering, while faded in areas, is still largely legible, indicating quality craftsmanship at the time of its production. The 'INTERNATIONAL EDITION' designation suggests it might have been part of a wider publishing series or intended for a global market. Given the visible wear and printing style, it likely dates from the late 19th to early 20th century.