The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer
This is a Victorian edition of The Complete Works of Geoffrey Chaucer, presented in its original seven-volume format, including the supplementary seventh volume. Edited by the distinguished medieval scholar Rev. Walter W. Skeat, this scholarly edition was published by Oxford University Press between 1894 and 1897, with the supplementary volume issued in 1899.
Drawing on multiple manuscripts, Skeat’s edition represents a significant contribution to Chaucer scholarship. It brings together the poet’s works alongside scholarly introductions, explanatory notes, a glossary and indexes, providing a valuable resource for the study of Chaucer's writings, their literary context and textual history.
The set includes The Romaunt of the Rose, Boethius, Troilus and Criseyde and The Canterbury Tales, among other works. The titles covered by the collection can be seen in the gilt lettering on the spines. Volumes I–IV each include a frontispiece, with Volume I depicting Chaucer and the subsequent volumes featuring illustrations relating to the original writings. Volumes V–VII do not contain frontispieces.
Printed at the Clarendon Press by Horace Hart and published in London by Henry Frowde, Oxford University Press Warehouse, Amen Corner, E.C., this late-Victorian edition retains its original publisher’s binding. All seven volumes are bound in navy cloth, featuring embossed decoration to the front and rear boards. The spines appear to have a brown colour to them and feature gilt lettering. Overall, the books are finished to create a cohesive and elegant appearance across the set.
The volumes display age-related wear consistent with their age, including some marks on the spines of Volumes III and IV, and some foxing to the pages throughout the set. The pages inside remain bright and clean, while the bindings remains tight and secure. Overall, the set remains in very good condition.
A desirable complete set for collectors of Chaucer, students of medieval literature and those with an appreciation for substantial nineteenth-century scholarly publishing.
The set is being sold for £275.
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