Chaucer, Geoffrey

Folio (11 3/4 x 8 in.; 298 x 203 mm). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Chaucer surrounded by a genealogical chart of his "Progenie," title with elaborate woodcut border, title for Canterbury Tales in broad woodcut border depicting the houses of York and Lancaster as a vine with Henry VIII as the final fruit (repeated on two other secondary titles), woodcut arms, vignettes and initials, 10pp 'Corrections and Annotations' at end; some browning and marginal staining, very small hole in Ddd2 affecting a few letters, corner of Ddd3 torn.  Modern calf ruled in blind, spine gilt-lettered.

Alexander Blair (signed and dated 1817 on title) — Samuel Carter (signed and dated 26 September 1849 on title)

STC 5078 (one of three issues noted); ESTC 2107209; Grolier 43; Pforzheimer 177

Condition as described in catalogue entry.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The sixth edition of Chaucer and the first to be edited by Thomas Speight.