1438820 1623 Shakespeare. Henry VI. Pt. 3. From the First Folio. Complete.

 

FIRST FOLIO PRINTING of the complete third part of this history play set during the lifetime of King Henry VI of England. See STC 22273; Pforzheimer 905; Grolier English 19; PMM 122 (for first folio).

SHAKESPEARE, William (1564-1616). The third Part of Henry the Sixt, with the death of the Duke of Yorke [Extracted from: THE FIRST FOLIO]. [London: Printed by Isaac Jaggard, and Ed. Blount), 1623].

 

Folio in sixes (330 x 222 mm). Comprising 26 pages (pp. 147-172) on 13 leaves (o4-q4). (51mm tear repaired to each leaf near top margin affecting headlines, 64mm tear repaired to lower corner of o4, repaired closed tear to o5, some spotting or browning). Woodcut head and taillpiece. Loose in chemise; morocco backed slipcase gilt.

 

This play is pivotal in depicting the dramatic arc of the Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III).  We get our first real glimpse of his implacable pursuit of the crown as early as Act 3, Scene 2:

 

Ay, Edward will use women honourably.

Would he were wasted, marrow, bones and all,

That from his loins no hopeful branch may spring,

To cross me from the golden time I look for!