Nathan Drake was a physician by training but also had a considerable interest in literature. His published works included essays not only on professional matters but on literary topics. His work Shakespeare and his times is his best known and most substantial piece and brought together the work of previous editors and other Shakespearean scholars. George IV acquired a copy for his Carlton House library, but that no longer survives in the Royal Collection. This copy of volume one was acquired during Queen Victoria’s reign; volume two was either mislaid or not purchased.