The complete works in prose and verse of Charles Lamb, ed. by R.H. Shepherd

This edition of The Complete Works in Prose and Verse of Charles Lamb was published by Chatto & Windus in the late 19th century, edited by Richard Herne Shepherd. Shepherd was a prolific editor and bibliographer known for his efforts to collect and organize the scattered writings of major English Romantic figures. His objective was to provide a comprehensive and reliable text that bridged the gap between earlier, incomplete collections and the growing scholarly interest in Lamb’s personal essays and correspondence.

The design of the volume reflects the Victorian era's dedication to substantial, library-ready editions of canonical literature. By aggregating Lamb’s humorous essays, letters, and miscellaneous verse into a singular, structured volume, Shepherd aimed to solidify Lamb’s reputation as a master of the familiar essay. The collection was well-received by contemporary critics as a functional and thoughtful compilation, serving as a standard reference point for readers seeking to explore the breadth of Lamb’s literary contributions.