Shakespeare (William) Measure for Measure, or Beauty the Best Advocate, [adapted by Charles Gildon], half-title with publisher's advertisements in double column verso, contemporary ink pen trials to half-title (some trimmed), lacking final f., title little chipped, closely trimmed at head, spotted and stained, lightly browned, 20th century burgundy ?textured buckram-backed brown marbled boards, spine gilt, covers with gilt Signet arms, rubbed, [Bartlett 182; Wing S2936], small 4to, Printed for D. Brown, at the Black Swan without Temple-Bar; and R. Parker, at the Unicorn Under the Royal-Exchange, 1700.

⁂ This first edition of Charles Gildon's adaptation is the first separate edition of the play in any form. It is rare at auction, with only two appearances since 1980. 'Davenant first combined portions of Measure for Measure and Much Ado and called the play Law against Lovers. This appeared in 1673. Gildon took from this the portions which had been taken from Measure for Measure, altered them somewhat, [and] added four musical entertainments' (Bartlett). Includes the epilogue ‘Shakespeares Ghost’.