[Fine Binding | Zaehnsdorf] Pysche

Shadwell, Thomas. Psyche: A Tragedy, as it is now Acted at Their Majesties Theatre in Dorset-Garden. London: Printed by J. M. for H. Herringman, and sold by R. Bentley, 1690. Second edition. Shadwell’s adaptation of Molière’s Psyché, first printed in 1675 and here reissued after Shadwell had replaced Dryden as Poet Laureate. The title page identifies him as “Tho. Shadwell, Laur.”

Full light blue morocco by Zaehnsdorf, covers elaborately gilt with double fillet borders, densely tooled cornerpieces and side ornaments, and inlaid red morocco medallions at the corners. Spine with five raised bands, title and author to second and third compartments, remaining compartments tooled with fleurons and small red morocco inlays. Gilt-rolled turn-ins, marbled endpapers; all edges gilt. Bookplate of John A. Spoor to front pastedown.

Spine faded to light brown, with some rubbing to edges, spine, and spine tips. Corners lightly worn. Text browned and spotted. 

Folger notes that the work was produced at Dorset Garden and is “sometimes considered the first English opera,” with vocal music by Matthew Locke and instrumental interludes by Giovanni Battista Draghi, though this printed text does not include the music.