King Lear: Signet Classic Shakespeare, Milton Glaser Cover, 1963 Paperback

From the series of Shakespeare paperbacks published in the 1960s with covers designed by the iconic graphic artist Milton Glaser in pen and ink and wash.

Early edition with 75¢ cover price. Complete your collection!

This King Lear belongs to the same vintage Signet Shakespeare series as the Twelfth Night you showed me, and I think these are particularly nice books to keep together.

The cover tells us quite a bit:

William Shakespeare — King Lear

Series: The Signet Classic Shakespeare

Publisher: Signet / New American Library

Cover illustrator: Milton Glaser — his name appears vertically at the lower left. Contemporary references identify this Glaser-covered Signet King Lear as originating in 1963.

What makes it appealing is Milton Glaser’s artwork. Glaser was one of the major American graphic designers of the 20th century, and these Signet Shakespeare covers have become recognizable examples of his book-design work. Your King Lear and Twelfth Night therefore make a rather attractive little Milton Glaser Shakespeare collection.

Condition-wise, this King Lear shows rubbing, edge wear, creasing and some surface marks.

Can be bought individually or as a set for $249