The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.

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  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.
  • Another image of The Works. by CHAUCER, Geoffrey.

~ The Works. Stratford-upon-Avon: Shakespeare Head Press, Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1928-1929.

8 volumes, large 4to (285 × 190 mm), calligraphic headings by Joscelyne Gaskin printed in red and blue, paraphs in red and blue manuscript, 70 hand-coloured illustrations by Hugh Chesterman and Lynton Lamb. Original linen-backed boards, printed spine labels, edges uncut and mostly unopened, original spare labels tipped in. A very nice set.

One of 375 numbered sets (number 266). The type of the Shakespeare Head Chaucer is Caslon Old Face and the illustrations of the Canterbury pilgrims are adapted from the Ellesmere manuscript. ‘The first impression is of care in planning, of thought for the reader. A friendly craftsmanship comes from all the pen and brush work in these books. The illustrations enter as a pleasant surprise, rather than necessary parts of the plan. The edition seems complete without them, but we are delighted to find them’ (Franklin, The Private Presses, pp. 149-50). The set comprises The Canterbury Tales (in the first four volumes), Consolation of Philosophy, Troilus and Criseyde, The House of Fame, The Legend of Good Women, later minor poems, doubtful poems, A Treatise on the Astrolabe and The Romaunt of the Rose.

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