The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, Compared with the Former Editions, and many valuable MSS. Out of which, Three Tales are added which were never before Printed; By John Urry. Together with a Glossary. To the Whole is prefixed The Author's Life, newly written, and a Preface, giving an Account of this Edition. London: Bernard Lintot, 1721, folio.
-------------------
FIRST EDITION of the important Geoffrey Chaucer edition edited by John Urry, notably the first to print Chaucer’s works in Roman type. Urry was the first editor in nearly 150 years to undertake a systematic collation of early manuscripts in an effort to establish a more accurate text. He died prior to publication, and the edition was completed by Timothy Thomas and Thomas Ainsworth. According to Lowndes, approximately 1,000 copies were printed, with an additional large-paper issue of around 250 copies.
This edition includes the first appearance in print of three additional tales: The Pardoner’s Tale, The Merchant’s Second Tale, and Coke’s Tale of Gamelyn, drawn from manuscript sources. Copies in contemporary bindings are uncommon.
-------------------
Size: 252 x 396 mm (approx.)
Condition:
[(2), [3], a1, b-n2, B-Z2, Aa-Zz2, Aaa-Zzz2, Aaaa-Zzzz2, 5A-5Z2, 6A-6Z2, 7A-7Z2, 8A-8R2, (2)]
Contemporary full calf, six raised bands dividing compartments with repeating gilt designs, the bottom compartment with a different design. Retains its original tooled red morocco label. Binding rubbed, some wear, joints cracked with the leather raised at board edges as often, but with the boards attached and the binding secure, some leather peeling on the rear board. An attractive copy externally. Some losses at extremities. Shelf and edge wear. Bookplate to front pastedown. Mild spotting, a little toned, else remarkably bright and clean throughout. Portrait frontispiece offset to title page as usual.
An excellent copy.
[Lowndes II, 426; ESTC T106027].
