Description: THE CENCI by Percy Bysshe Shelley From 1819, the true first edition of the only play by the celebrated British poet, a lurid Gothic tragedy set in late 16th-century Italy. The drama is based on the true story of noblewoman Beatrice Cenci, who murdered her tyrannical father after he forced her into an incestuous relationship This copy is one of just 250 copies printed in 1819 in Rome, Italy, where Shelley was living at the time. (There was a 750-copy printing in London two years later.) The text is in English and includes a dedication by Shelley to fellow poet Leigh Hunt, dated in May of 1819, as well as the author's introduction. The book was probably originally in paper covers; it was luxuriously rebound in the mid-19th century by Zaehnsdorf, in green leather with gold accents and gilt text edges and satin marker. The book is housed in a cloth slipcase which I believe was also provided by the binder. This copy remains in very good shape for its age. The one major flaw is that the front cover is cleanly detached. Also, there are a couple small dents in the back cover. There is a light scuff inside the front cover from the removal of a bookplate. The text is firmly bound and shows only minor signs of use or age. An extremely scarce collector's item which typically lists for $5,000 or more. Measures 5.5" X 8.5", xiv + 104 pages. Ships promptly & securely.
Price: 2800 USD
Location: Idyllwild, California
End Time: 2024-11-25T21:26:13.000Z
Shipping Cost: 5.38 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 14 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Binding: Leather
Place of Publication: Rome
Language: English
Special Attributes: 1st Edition, Limited Edition, Luxury Edition
Author: Percy Bysshe Shelley
Publisher: C & J Ollier
Topic: Poetry & Plays
Country/Region of Manufacture: Italy
Subject: Literature & Fiction
Original/Facsimile: Original
Year Printed: 1819
