Antique Shakespeare book set – Complete Dramatic Works in German, 12 Volumes in 4 Books, Art Nouveau

Antique Shakespeare book set – Complete Dramatic Works in German

A matching set of William Shakespeare’s dramatic works in German, comprising 12 volumes bound in four physical books. Translated by Schlegel and Tieck, with an introduction by Rudolf Fischer, this edition was published by Th. Knaur Nachf., Berlin–Leipzig.

The warm brown covers feature floral Art Nouveau ornament, gold-toned decoration and a Shakespeare portrait. Stylised lyres adorn the spines, while patterned endpapers and decorative patterned page edges add to the set’s period character. Together on a bookshelf or beside a reading chair, these four books bring the atmosphere of an old private library into the home.

Edition details

• Author: William Shakespeare
• Original title: Shakespeares sämtliche dramatische Werke in zwölf Bänden
• Format: 12 volumes bound in 4 matching books, three volumes per book; offered as the complete set of this dramatic-works edition
• Language: German, printed in historical Fraktur type
• Translation: Schlegel and Tieck
• Introduction: Rudolf Fischer
• Publisher: Th. Knaur Nachf., Berlin–Leipzig
• Dating: Early 20th century. Identified by the seller as a 1908 edition; however, the photographed printer’s imprint reads “Druck von Metzger & Wittig, Leipzig. 1905.” A publication date of 1908 has therefore not been confirmed.

Measurements and weight

• Each book: approximately 17.5 cm high × 12 cm wide, based on the photographed measurements
• Estimated total weight: approximately 2 kg, excluding packaging
• Included: the four photographed books; styling accessories are not included

Condition

Antique, pre-owned condition with visible age and handling wear. The bindings show rubbing and wear to the edges, corners and spine ends. Pages are age-toned, with scattered spotting and some waviness. Tears and small losses to individual page edges are visible in the photographs. Historical publisher’s advertisements are pasted inside the covers. Although all 12 numbered volumes are represented in the four books, a page-by-page completeness check has not been documented.

Please study all original photographs carefully for the binding, paper and edge condition. This is an antique set with genuine signs of age, not a new or pristine reproduction.

A characterful choice for collectors of antique German books, admirers of Art Nouveau bindings and readers drawn to Shakespeare’s enduring plays.