Froissart's Chronicles 2 vols., Routledge and Sons, 1868. Deluxe illustrated.

Description: Chronicles of England France, Spain and The Adjoining Countries by Sir John Froissart, translated by Thomas Johnes, Esq., 2 volumes, George Routledge and Sons (London), 1868. DESCRIPTION: 2 vols., thick octavo 8vo., 10 x 7 1/4 inches (255 x 184 mm), Vol.1 - 768 pages, Vol. 2 - 733 pages. Illustrated with 116 woodcut illustrations and over 70 illuminated color plates taken principally from the Bibliotheque Royale and British Museum manuscript editions, including color lithographed title pages. Custom vintage bindings of full red morocco with gilt lettering and tooling on the spines between five raised bands, gilt ruling surrounding each raised band with gilt decoration on the raised bands, front and rear covers with gilt ruling around the periphery and small tooled designs in each corner, elaborate tooled gilt designs around the leather turn-ins. Marbled endpapers and pastedowns. All edges of text block gilt as well. CONDITION: Light even soiling and rubbing along the edges of front and rear covers of both volumes. Superficial tears along the papers of the front inner hinges for both volumes without affecting the binding's stability or stability of the pages. Text blocks firm and square, external hinges intact. No names, inscriptions, ex-libris, etc. Remarkably free of the toning and foxing often seen in this edition. Overall, a clean attractive set presented in full morocco vintage bindings that have been well maintained and preserved. DISCUSSION: This is an important edition with the finest 19th century English translation available. The famous 7-volume Shakespeare Head Press edition uses the antiquated translation by Lord Berners from 1525, a tedious unpleasant read that requires a translation for the translation. Although there are several modern twentieth century English translations, they do not (imho) surpass the Thomas Johnes translation and they are not available in a fine or private press edition. The Johnes translation was taken from the French editions with variations and additions from many celebrated manuscripts and it remains current and modern. This edition of the Chronicles is prefixed by "a life of the author (Froissart), an essay on his work, and a criticism in his history", giving a more complete picture of the Age of Chivalry. The principal attraction of this edition, however, is the inclusion of over 100 medieval woodcuts and a magnificent collection of hand-colored plates taken from historic medieval manuscripts, which greatly enhance Froissart's vivid portrayal of life in the 14th century. The color plates have been extraordinarily well reproduced from the originals and they bring Froissart's chronicles to life. The letterpress printing of the text is tidy and neat. Overall, an attractive set in an important modern translation that is a pleasure to handle and read. Please examine the photographs carefully and ask all questions prior to purchase as sale is final.

Price: 1800 USD

Location: Peoria, Illinois

End Time: 2024-12-08T22:26:48.000Z

Shipping Cost: 25 USD