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First published between 1858 and 1860, this three-volume annotated edition of Shakespeare's works by Howard Staunton is based on the folio and quarto editions collated with the texts of later editors from Rowe to Dyce. Staunton, a chess genius as well as a highly regarded Shakespeare scholar, was known for his minimal yet sensible textual improvements and his familiarity with Elizabethan literature and language. His edition combines common sense with meticulous research, and it was regarded as a definitive resource in its day. Each play is accompanied by an introduction giving details of its original production and publication and the sources of its plot, critical commentary, and footnotes explaining terms and expressions. The books are generously illustrated with black-and-white illustrations by the prolific artist John Gilbert.