1991.1016.96.4

Letter from A.H. Bullen dated, 24th December 1906, informing Walker that they have printed twelve vellum copies of the Shakespeare, 10 volumes. Found inserted in the book, Plays for an Irish Theatre by Yeats, W.B., when acquired by the museum, shelf G16 . Part of the Emery Walker Library.

1906-12-24 - 1906-12-24

20th century, Arts & Crafts

Letter from A. H. Bullen of the Shakespeare Head Press to Emery Walker dated 24th December 1906 LONDON OFFICE: From 47, Great Russell The Shakespeare Head Press Street, London, Stratford-on-Avon. W.C 24/XII/06 My dear Walker, We printed twelve vellum copies of the Shakespeare, 10 Vols. Eight are subscribed, and – so far – no copy has gone to America. Among the subscribers are the Duke of Buccleuch and Mrs Rylands, whose copies are not likely to come into the market. The price of a set is £105 (hundred guineas), but I shall put up the price of the last two copies to £157. 10 (hundred and fifty guineas) as some American collectors are sure to want them. In Vol. X are a number of [valuable] copyright essays, specially written for this edition. If Jones purchases a copy at a hundred guineas I think he will find that he has made a good investment. This will be the first complete Shakespeare ever printed on vellum as well as being the first to be printed in Stratford. Best Christmas wishes. The enclosed booklet of carols may interest you; William Morris would have liked them, for some are out of the common. Yours always A.H. Bullen[i] [Footnote: [i]Arthur Henry known as A.H. Bullen (1857 – 1920), editor, publisher and founder of the Shakespeare Head Press. CAW]