(Chaucer, Geoffrey) — John Wilfred Clarke | A charming illuminated manuscript, with extracts from Chaucer

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

(Chaucer, Geoffrey) — John Wilfred Clarke

The Prologue to The Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer. Ecclesall, Sheffield: September 1945

Illuminated manuscript on vellum (252 x 209 mm). 9 leaves, title-page heightened with gold, other leaves with full-length borders, one with portrait, others with botanical or ornithological decoration; in well preserved condition. Full blue morocco richly gilt, red morocco inlays, front cover titled in gilt, in original cloth portfolio; spine restored, otherwise well-preserved, portfolio a bit worn.

As stated at end, it was designed, written out and illuminated by John Wilfred Clarke of Ribbleton Ho: Preston, “for my friend Edwin Goddard Stokes of Ringinglow at Sheffield.”