Paper binding for ‘The Library Shakespeare’

John Leighton

1873–75

Paper binding

Unsigned

A very elaborate design by Leighton in the style of the Italian Renaissance, with idealized figures and putti celebrating the bard’s writing and its international significance. The swans in the bottom panel are a reminder of Shakespeare’s more domestic affiliation.

  • Cloth binding for ‘The Library Shakespeare’

    • Photograph © The British Library Board, reproduced with permission, and text by Simon Cooke [Click on image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links.]