(Shakespeare, William) — John Wilfred Clarke | A charming illuminated manuscript, with extracts from Shakespeare

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

(Shakespeare, William) — John Wilfred Clarke

Shakespeare on England. Ecclesall, Sheffield: December 1944

Illuminated manuscript on vellum (250 x 206 mm). 6 leaves, title page heightened with gold, other leaves with full-length borders, one with inset image of a knight on horseback; in well preserved condition. Full blue morocco richly gilt, signed by Slinn on front turn in, front cover titled in gilt, in original fleece-lined paper portfolio; binding well-preserved, portfolio a bit worn.

A charming manuscript containing two extracts from the works of Shakespeare: from John of Gaunt’s dying speech in King Richard II, and a passage from King John. As stated at end, it was designed, written out and illuminated by John Wilfred Clarke of Ecclesall, Sheffield “for his great friend Edwin Goddard Stokes of Ringinglow, Sheffield.”