The Temple Shakespeare Value Guide

The Temple Shakespeare series, launched in 1894 by J.M. Dent and edited by Israel Gollancz, revolutionized portable literature with its pocket-sized design and scholarly depth. These elegant burgundy leather-bound volumes were so successful they served as the aesthetic and commercial precursor to the world-renowned Everyman's Library.

What affects the value of The Temple Shakespeare?

• Completeness of the set; while partial sets fetch $180-$200, missing key plays can reduce individual volume liquidity.
• Condition of the flexible leather, specifically looking for cracking at the hinges or fading of the gold leaf gilt.
• The presence of original silk ribbon markers and the cleanliness of the internal paper stock.
• Historical provenance or markings indicating use by notable students or theater-goers from the late Victorian era.

How to Identify The Temple Shakespeare?

• Check for the J.M. Dent & Co. London imprint on the title page with dates ranging from 1894 to 1910.
• Verify the presence of flexible burgundy leather covers featuring gold leaf decorative elements on the spine.
• Look for the signature 'Temple' branding and the specific editorial contributions of Israel Gollancz in the front matter.
• Confirm each volume contains a single play accompanied by a frontispiece illustration and scholarly notes.

History of The Temple Shakespeare

Launched in 1894 by J.M. Dent and edited by Israel Gollancz, the Temple Shakespeare was a revolutionary publishing success. It was designed to be portable and beautiful, featuring the first use of the 'Temple' branding which later inspired the famous Everyman's Library. Each volume contains a single play with scholarly notes and was highly popular among students and theater-goers in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.