William Shakespeare, Tragedies by The Franklin Library (Leather Bound, RARE), 1975. 📜🏛️🇬🇧






















1. Introduction 📜🔍🤯
This is an exceedingly rare and beautifully preserved leather-bound edition of William Shakespeare's Tragedies, published in 1975 by The Franklin Library.
A seminal volume from one of the world's most distinguished fine book publishers, this work represents the pinnacle of modern book craftsmanship. Its exceptional quality and scarcity make it a premier asset for any serious collector of finely bound literary classics.
2. About the Book 📖✍️✨
This volume collects some of the most celebrated and profound works in the English language, including four of Shakespeare's great tragedies: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, and Othello.
These plays are foundational to Western literature, exploring timeless themes of power, betrayal, and human frailty. The book's exquisite design and tactile quality transform these iconic texts into a tangible work of art, worthy of the author's legacy.
3. About the Artist/Author/Maker 🇫🇷✍️🏛️
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist. His works have been translated into every major living language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright. His genius lies in his unparalleled command of language and his deep understanding of the human condition. The Franklin Library was a prestigious publisher known for producing limited edition, leather-bound books of exceptional quality from 1973 to 2000.
4. Historical/Political Era Context 🌍🕰️📜
This volume was created as part of the Franklin Library's "100 Greatest Books of All Time" series, a landmark publishing venture that sought to preserve literary heritage in a period of mass production. Published in 1975, this book represents a return to traditional, high-quality bookmaking at a time when the paperback was dominant. It is a powerful example of the post-war resurgence in appreciation for classic literature and artisanal craftsmanship, intended for a new generation of discerning bibliophiles.
5. The Ideal Collector 💡🧐🏛️
This book is a perfect fit for a collector of fine bindings and a curator of classic literary works. It is a crucial addition to a library focused on the great books of the Western canon. The elegance and quality of this edition will appeal to a collector who seeks not only the content of a great book but also the aesthetic and material excellence of its physical form.
6. Value & Rarity 💎✨🏛️
This edition of Shakespeare's Tragedies is a rare and highly sought-after volume from the Franklin Library's most prestigious series. Its value is derived from its scarcity, meticulous craftsmanship, and high-quality materials, including genuine leather, gilded page edges, and elaborate decorative details. Unlike mass-produced books, this volume was crafted to be an heirloom, a durable and non-replicable asset that maintains its value over time.
7. Condition 🔎📚✨
This book is a well-preserved example of a fine collectible. It is bound in genuine black leather with elaborate gold tooling on the spine and covers, all of which remain vibrant and intact. The gilded page edges are bright and unmarked. The binding is tight and square, indicating minimal prior use. While a thorough inspection would reveal minor signs of age, the overall condition is exceptional, making it a fantastic addition to any collection.
8. Translation of Inscriptions/Ephemera (Conditional) ✍️📜🔤
This book does not contain any personal inscriptions, which is desirable for a collectible of this type. Its value is derived from its intrinsic quality and a perfect state of preservation, exactly as it was intended to be received by the original collector.
9. Fun Facts & Unique Features 🤓📜🤩
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The Franklin Library's editions were often produced in collaboration with the University of Oxford, a testament to their commitment to scholarly accuracy and quality.
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The book features raised spine bands, a detail typical of classic hand-bound books and a hallmark of The Franklin Library's superior craftsmanship.
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The interior contains high-quality, acid-neutral paper to ensure the longevity of the text, an important detail for preservation-focused collectors.
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Each copy from this series was a limited edition, with no new printings, ensuring its scarcity.
10. Supporting Information 🏷️📦💰
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Title: Tragedies
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Author: William Shakespeare
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Year: 1975
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Publisher: The Franklin Library
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Place of Origin: Franklin Center, Pennsylvania, USA
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Format: Leather-bound hardcover
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Edition: Limited Edition, Franklin Library
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Rarity: Rare