SCHILLER, Johann Christoph Friedrich von. (Wallenstein.) The Piccolomini, or the first part of Wallenstein, a drama in five acts. Translated from the German by S.T. Coleridge. T. N. Longman & O. Rees. 1800
Front., final ad. leaf; front. sl damp marked, title cropped at head with loss of 'The'. BOUND WITH: The Death of Wallenstein. A tragedy in five acts. Translated from the German by S.T. Coleridge. 2 vols in 1 in attractive half maroon morocco at the Clarendon Press, Oxford; sl. damp marking to cloth on front boards & to spine. Signature on first title: 'Constable'. Armorial bookplate of C. H. Wilkinson, and small 'Skinos' label.
¶Die Piccolomini and Wallensteins Tod were written between 1797 and 1799, first performed in April 1799. They form the second and third parts of a trilogy subtitled Ein dramatisches Gedicht. Wallensteins Lager, the first part, is, effectively, a light-hearted prelude, while Die Piccolomini and Wallensteins Tod are two parts of one vast tragedy. These are the first English translations; the Proofs were read by Charles Lamb, Coleridge being on a visit to Wordsworth at Grasmere. 'Take no thought about your proof sheets; they shall be done as if Woodfall himself did them.' Lamb to Coleridge, 16th April 1800. Lamb also contributed the poem on p.89 of part I, the first time it appeared in print. Bound without the half title to part I. Bound into prelims of part II is the general titlepage for Wallenstein: A Drama, Longman & Rees, 1800. Each part has a preface by Coleridge. Wise 16 & 17.