{"product_id":"shakespeare-3","title":"1908 Life of William Shakespeare | Sidney Lee | Illustrated | Red Leather Prize Binding","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA striking Shakespeare volume in a vivid red full leather prize binding, complete with gilt armorial and a documented 1918 presentation inscription.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 1908 sixth edition of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Life of William Shakespeare\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e by Sidney Lee, published in London by Smith, Elder \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBound in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003efull red leather\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, the boards feature a finely gilt decorative border and a central armorial crest. The spine is richly gilt with floral tooling and a titled panel. The binding is further elevated by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003egilt dentelle detailing\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e along the inner board edges and beautifully marbled endpapers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo the front pastedown is a printed and handwritten \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eprize award inscription from Skinners’ Company’s School, Tunbridge Wells\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, awarded to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eT. Bound\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for English, dated \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1918\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and signed by the headmaster. This adds a clear layer of provenance and historical context, placing the book within the tradition of British academic prize bindings of the early 20th century.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSidney Lee’s biography was one of the most widely read and respected early accounts of Shakespeare’s life, offering a detailed portrait of the playwright’s career, his works, and the world of the Elizabethan stage. It traces Shakespeare’s rise in London, his involvement in the theatre, and the historical figures and settings that shaped his writing—making it both a literary study and a window into the cultural life of his time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIllustrated with engraved portraits and photograves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBinding firm and bright. Gilt remains crisp. Interior clean. 495pp.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVery Good\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSize: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e5 1\/4” x 7 1\/2”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA visually striking and well-preserved Shakespeare volume, enhanced by its original prize inscription and presentation history.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Honey Bee Mill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53295415099691,"sku":null,"price":185.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0015\/7086\/5251\/files\/IMG_0924.jpg?v=1776624902","url":"https:\/\/honeybeemill.com\/products\/shakespeare-3","provider":"Honey Bee Mill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}