Description
First edition of The Duke of Guise: A Tragedy by John Dryden and Nathaniel Lee, published in 1683.
Octavo, [8], 76pp. Advertisement on page 76, lacking music at rear. In contemporary half brown morocco, marbled boards, title in gilt on spine. Housed in custom quarter leather chemise case. Previous ownership bookplates affixed to front end paper. Pencil marks on title page. Overall in very good condition, some toning to leaves, occasional loss at edges, closed tears.
(Wing D2264; MacDonald 87a)
John Dryden (1631 – 1700) was the poet laureate of England in 1668. He was a prolific author and writer, with some calling his time the Age of Dryden. This play was first performed December 4th, 1682, to unfavorable reviews, but with revisions, found success with the United Companies of London.