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5 vols., extra-illustrated. Vols. I-II second editions with additions and corrections, vols. III-V first editions. 4to., pp. lxxxvii, [i], 301, [i]; [iv], 363, [i]; [iv], xvi, xxxvi, 451, [i]; [vi], xxxii, 478, [ii]; lxxvi, 472 + additional engraved vignette title and coloured engraved frontispiece to each vol. + 34 facsimile plates + 34 further plates. Extra illustrated with additional coloured engraved plates (landscapes etc), including folding map of England and Wales. With half-titles. Parallel medieval and modern texts. Vol. I preliminary blanks, title and pages facing tissue guards toned; small closed tear to map, occasional foxing, a few ink spots. Vol. II occasional foxing and toning, some neat pencil notes. Vol. IV, Some leaves a little toned, also some toning and light damp staining to plates. Some vols. bearing evidence of a bookplate having been removed. Contemporary calf panelled boards rebacked in mottled calf, spines gilt, raised bands, red and black spine labels, all edges faintly blue, marbled endpapers. A few chips to spine, board leather dry and rubbed, corners very worn, but good sound copies. To front paste-down each volume, crimson leather and gilt book label of W.A. Foyle of Beeleigh Abbey and ms inscription at head of ffep verso, Liverpool, Kirkham Abbey [illegible] 1907. Vol. I with pencilled note to front endpaper, 'Duke of York's copy'. John Fenn's edition of the Paston Letters was the first printing of this invaluable collection shedding light on the life of an aristocratic family (the Pastons, later Earls of Yarmouth) in the fifteenth century. The editor obtained the documents from the executors of a chemist in Diss, Norfolk, and later presented the originals for volumes I and II to George III, receiving a knighthood soon after. The work was nevertheless suspected for years to be a forgery, until the material (including what he had given to the King) resurfaced in various country houses in the later part of the nineteenth century. The fifth volume was sent to the press posthumously by Serjeant Frere, Fenn's nephew (Ency. Brit., 11th edn.) Lowndes 788: "Two editions of Vols. 1 & 2 were printed in 1787, but there is no perceptible difference between them." ESTC N010147 & T149304. Seller Inventory # 54569
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