TITLE: The Canterbury Tales [with] The Golden Cockerel Press, The Canterbury Tales and Eric Gill
AUTHOR: Geoffrey Chaucer
PUBLISHER: The Folio Society
PLACE: London
YEAR: 2010
EDITION: Facsimile edition
NUMBERED: This edition was limited to 1980 numbered copies for sale to members of The Folio Society, and 25 lettered copies which were not for sale. This is number 549.
BINDING: Nigerian goatskin leather in Solander box, printed on felt-marked, laid paper, in a special shade matched to the original, made at the Favini mill near Venice. Endpapers of Merida Graphite from the Varona mill, Riva del Garda. Blocked in 24-carat gold with a design featuring Eric Gill's engravings around a blind-blocked frame. Gilding on all three book edges. Black satin ribbon marker. Presented in a buckram-bound Solander box with gold blocking on the spine.
NO.OF PAGES: 768
SIZE OF SOLANDER BOX:
Height: 31.5 cm
Width: 20.5 cm
Depth: 7.5 cm
This book comes along with a small booklet titled "The Golden Press, The Canterbury tales and Eric Gill" with a commentary essay by Peter Holliday, quarter-bound (31.6 x 20.7 x 0.5 cm) in buckram and Merida Graphite, published by The Folio Society, London, MMX with 48 pages.
.br.THIS IS A FACSIMILE OF THE GOLDEN COCKEREL PRESS EDITION

A landmark of English poetry, "The Canterbury Tales" has been published in many illustrated editions. This version, illustrated by Eric Gill, is among the most remarkable and is a glorious expression of Gill's genius. In this varied, vibrant work, Gill displayed his artistic versatility and succeeded in marrying the illuminated manuscript tradition with a Modernist aesthetic. For this facsimile edition, The Folio Society created an exquisite binding based on Gill's own designs for the Physician's and the Summoner's tales. The work itself is represented in meticulously exact facsimile, created directly from an original copy. Copies of the original print run of 500 very rarely reached the open market, and one of the few examples in recent years sold for $9,000. This beautifully produced facsimile represents an outstanding opportunity to own this work.

In their collaboration for the Golden Cockerel Press, Eric Gill and Robert Gibbings created a golden standard for designers. Their editions, from "Troilus and Criseyde" and "The Canterbury Tales" to "The Four Gospels," were created through a meticulous process. The type was set with space left for Gill's borders or initial letters and illustrations; proofs were then sent to Gill, who drew his design on the proof sheet itself before transferring the illustration to the engraving block.

Gill's illustrations for "The Canterbury Tales" were rich indeed: half-page illustrations, tailpieces and initial letters for each of the tales, and copious borders which he designed as pairs throughout the book. Blue and red initial letters are used at intervals to add variety - an inspired, thoroughly modern response to the medieval manuscripts Gill admired.

CONDITION:
This lot will be sold in "as is" condition.
There may be some minor tears/creases scratches, or holes commensurate with age that may not be visible in the images.

The books on sale in this auction are rare, out-of-print and otherwise collectable, dating from the 19th century onwards. The technology and material for printing and binding books have evolved over the last few centuries. From being the exclusive preserve of Clergy and Kings to an item of everyday application, the availability and use of books have also evolved over time. Books age over time and deterioration in a book's condition depends on many factors, including the original materials used and conditions of usage over time. Books will often show signs of foxing, fading, shelf-ware or dust jacket damage through usage. Prolonged storage may also cause wormhole damage or water stains.

The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of ageing. Condition requests can be obtained via email. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Storyltd shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.