SHAKESPEARE, WILLIAM. 1546-1616.
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. As it is now Acted at his Highness the Duke of York's Theatre. Adapted by Sir William Davenant (1606-1668). London: Printed by Andrew Clark for J. Martyn and H. Herringman, 1676.
4to (213 x 153 mm). Modern paneled calf to style. Leather folding case, spine gilt lettered. Boxed.
Provenance: Ralph Vallone Jr (bookplate, his sale Sotheby's London, 11 December 2009, lot 233).
First edition of Davenant's adaptation, and sixth edition overall, with the 5-line imprint on the title. Davenant's adaptation of Hamlet is the first production of the play after the Restoration. It was notable for the appearances of female actors: Mary Saunderson and Ann Gibbs as Ophelia and Gertrude, the first appearance of identifiable actresses in Shakespearean leading roles. Pepys was present at the opening and noted in his diary (24 August 1661) that the production was "done with Scenes very well," praising Thomas Betterton, the foremost actor of his time, as Hamlet "who did the Prince's part beyond imagination." Two editions dated 1676 were printed by Clark for Martyn and Herringman, the imprint either 4- or 5-lines (as here). Bartlett does not assign priority, describing both as "sixth or seventh edition." Bartlett 85; Wing S-2951.
