The Life of Falstaff - Robert B Brough 1858 - Longman, London - First Edition in Book Form Illustrated with twenty beautiful plates by Cruikshank, among the largest and finest the artist produced.   The real Sir John Fastolf (or Falstaf) was a military commander from East Anglia who made his fortune in the later phases of the Hundred Years War, and left a will, the complications of which are detailed in the surviving letters of his lawyer John Paston. This English condottiere was transformed by Shakespeare into the carousing poltroon and womanizer who appears in "Henry IV, Parts I and II," and "The Merry Wives of Windsor." It is this portly Shakespearean figure who inspired the illustrations of Cruikshank, and they in turn inspired this pseudo-history of Falstaff, which is spun out of the buffoon's Shakespearean appearances. The author, Robert Brough (1828-60), who was not aware of the historical Fastolf, wrote burlesques for the London stage, as did his brother William. Another brother, Lionel, was an actor, as was Robert's wife. Brough mentions in the preface that he completed this volume despite severe illness, and although he continued to churn out books, he died two years later at 30. Cohn 91   Contemporary Half Burgundy Calf Binding, with original front board and spine bound in at the back.   Condition: Small repair to title page, small water stain affecting lower edge of later plates. Some rubbing to binding.   Ref: 100757   Price: Please contact us for a price or general inquiries about this book