The Complete works of Shakespear / Owned by Vida Abbott 1904

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Oxford Shakespeare, 1904 Edition) – Prize Copy Awarded in 1917

📘 Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Oxford Shakespeare: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
• Editor: W. J. Craig, M.A. (Trinity College, Dublin)
• Publisher: Henry Frowde (Oxford University Press)
• Date of Publication: 1904
• Binding: Green leather (full or faux leather) with gilt title stamping on front and spine; spine detached but preserved
• Size: Standard large-format volume (~8–10 inches tall)
• Provenance:
  • Presented to Miss Vida Abbott for winning First Prize in a Shakespeare Essay Contest on April 23rd, 1917
  • Inscribed by the Shakespeare Commemoration Committee of Point Grey High School, Vancouver, B.C.
  • Distributed via Thomson Stationery Company (stamped on endpaper), a known Canadian distributor at the time

🔍 Historical Context

This edition was part of the Oxford University Press's scholarly output during the Edwardian period. W. J. Craig’s work was one of the most respected academic editions of its day, widely used in schools and institutions. This particular copy gains added historical and collectible significance from its:

• 1917 award inscription tied to a historical educational event
• Connection to Point Grey, an area of historic and cultural interest in Vancouver
• Presence of a named female recipient (Miss Vida Abbott), which offers genealogical interest

The Thomson Stationery Company stamp also authenticates this book’s Canadian circulation and serves as a verifiable regional distributor mark.

📚 Rarity & Authorship Claim

“There is only 36 known copies of this book ever published before the editor died...”

This claim cannot be fully substantiated based on available bibliographic records. In fact, W. J. Craig’s Oxford edition was published in large numbers, likely in the thousands, given its academic importance. However, prize editions like this one—especially dated and personalized—are much rarer in surviving condition and can be considered unique variant copies.

📉 Condition

Element

Status

Cover

Heavy wear, edge fraying, gilt faded

Spine

Detached but present (a plus for restoration)

Interior pages

Generally intact, some aging and light staining

Inscription

Intact and legible, of historical significance

Binding

Fragile and unstable, book should not be opened fully without support

This book is in "fair to poor" physical condition but possesses high historical and provenance value due to its dated inscription and context.

💵 Estimated Value (2025)

Type of Value

Range (USD)

Notes

General market

$25 – $75

For similar Oxford 1904 editions in worn but readable condition

Provenance-enhanced

$125 – $200

With verified inscription tied to a known institution and event

Restored copy (professionally rebound)

$200 – $350

If restored, values may increase for private collectors or literary scholars

🧾 Authentication & Preservation Recommendations

• Provenance: The dated 1917 inscription and named recipient are genuine and lend strong documentary value. You may want to research Vida Abbott and Point Grey High School archives for context—possibly even local museum interest.
• Preservation Tips:
  • Store in acid-free archival box or mylar
  • Avoid direct light and extreme humidity
  • Consider professional rebinding or stabilization by a conservation bookbinder (ensure the original spine is retained with notes)

✅ Summary

This is an authentic 1904 Oxford University Press edition of Shakespeare’s complete works, edited by W. J. Craig, with added provenance from its use as a 1917 academic prize in British Columbia. While not exceedingly rare in terms of mass production, its award inscription, survival condition, and regional ties give it a collectible edge for literary historians, educators, or genealogical collectors.