Description: The History of Godefrey of Boloyne and the Conquest of Iherusalem. Reprinted from Caxton's edition of 1481, edited by H. Halliday Sparling. Kelmscott Press 1893. DESCRIPTION: Limited edition, one of 300 copies on paper. Quarto (4to) 11 1/2 x 8 inches, 290 x 215 mm., 452 pages. Printed in black and red Troy type on Batchelor hand-made paper with the Primrose watermark. Two full pages (title page and opening page) with elaborate wood engraved borders with numerous woodcut initials and side & corner half and three-quarter wood-engraved border ornaments. Original limp vellum binding with silk ribbon ties. Housed in a three-sided wrap-around folding chemise which then fits tightly inside a custom slipcase with rounded spine and five raised bands. CONDITION: Vellum is well maintained, retaining its original sheen and lustre. Slight bowing (concavity) to front and rear covers typical of limp vellum bindings of this age (131 y.o.) but much less than usual because of the chemise and slipcase system of storage. Normal variation in color of vellum without soiling or staining. Three front ribbons missing but 3 of 4 rear silk ribbons intact. Small purple stamp with name of prior owner inside front cover and on title page. Gilt titling nicely defined on spine, small wrinkle at foot of spine. Light overall rubbing and scuffing to the custom slipcase with a small area of separation along a seam at its base (see last photo). DISCUSSION: This is the fifth and last of the Caxton reprints published by the Kelmscott Press. The English text is quite poetical and the Caxton translations were special favorites of William Morris amongst the Kelmscott Press bibliography. This edition is one of the most decorated with wood engravings of the Kelmscott Press books and it also contains a new printer's device after the colophon. Please examine all photos carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase as sale is final.
Price: 6000 USD
Location: Peoria, Illinois
End Time: 2025-01-10T01:47:57.000Z
Shipping Cost: 25 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Subject: History
Binding: Limp vellum
Language: English
Special Attributes: Limited Edition
Author: Edited by H. Halliday Sparling
Publisher: Kelmscott Press
Topic: Historical
Original/Facsimile: Original
