Chaucer Geffrey Edited Thomas Speght (1 results)

Condition: Very Good. Title surrounded by elaborate woodcut border, copperplate portrait of Chaucer surrounded by arms of his Progenie, woodcut arms under 2nd Title & heading Knight's tale at Fol.I, woodcut initials throughout. Portrait signed "IS" (John Speed (1552?-1629). Folio 320x210mm early 19th century calf, edge panels & inner fleurons gilt, marbled end-papers (re-backed with original label & 3 gilt spine compartments laid on, tips worn, leather rubbed & marked), All Edges Gilt. Collated complete except for initial blank: [23 of 24]leaves, Chaucer portrait surrounded by arms of his progenie (supplied from another copy), 376 +[14] leaves (explanatory indexes, final errata leaf 3U8). Black Letter English text throughout. Coat of arms bookplate Edward Micholls Henriques [1837-1901], first 4 leaves slightly foxed at edges, else beautifully clean and crisp with good margins throughout. *Second Speght edition, much revised from his 1598 first, with help from Francis Thynne (1645?-1608), "the earliest in which thorough punctuation was attempted, and in many other ways it is a distinct improvement upon Speght's first edition. Of two hitherto unprinted pieces added to this edition, the 'Treatise called Jack Upland' is non-Chaucerian but the ABC is considered genuine" (Pforzheimer 178; also referenced by STC 5080 2nd edition, ESTC S107210). 1 volume. Hardcover.