The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye
Kelmscott Press. Lefèvre, Raoul
Hammersmith. Bernard Quaritch for Kelmscott Press. 1892
The Kelmscott Press edition of Caxton's 'The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye', the first book printed in English.
From the edition limited to 305 copies, with this one of 300 on Flower paper.
Caxton's edition of the text, using his own translation of Raoul Lefèvre's Burgundian romance, was the first book printed in the English language in Bruges in 1473 or 1474. The book was also a favourite of William Morris. Although Caxton's 'Recuyell' had been reprinted in numerous editions, this Kelmscott Press version was 'the first to go back directly to Caxton's text' (Peterson). The text was edited by H. Halliday Sparling. Morris' ornamental designs are printed here for the first time and his vine border - used twice in the second volume - also appears here for the first time.
'As to the matter of the book, it makes a thoroughly amusing story, instinct with mediaeval thought and manners ... It is the last issue of that story of Troy which had such a hold on men's imaginations; the story built up from a rumour of the Cyclic Poets, of the heroic City of Troy, defended by Priam, with his gallant sons, led by Hector the 'preux Chevalier', beset by the violent & brutal Greeks, who were looked on as the necessary machinery for bringing about the undeniable tragedy of the fall of the city.' (Morris' manuscript note for Quaritch's catalogue in Cockerell's presentation copy).
[Peterson A8].
From the edition limited to 305 copies, with this one of 300 on Flower paper.
Caxton's edition of the text, using his own translation of Raoul Lefèvre's Burgundian romance, was the first book printed in the English language in Bruges in 1473 or 1474. The book was also a favourite of William Morris. Although Caxton's 'Recuyell' had been reprinted in numerous editions, this Kelmscott Press version was 'the first to go back directly to Caxton's text' (Peterson). The text was edited by H. Halliday Sparling. Morris' ornamental designs are printed here for the first time and his vine border - used twice in the second volume - also appears here for the first time.
'As to the matter of the book, it makes a thoroughly amusing story, instinct with mediaeval thought and manners ... It is the last issue of that story of Troy which had such a hold on men's imaginations; the story built up from a rumour of the Cyclic Poets, of the heroic City of Troy, defended by Priam, with his gallant sons, led by Hector the 'preux Chevalier', beset by the violent & brutal Greeks, who were looked on as the necessary machinery for bringing about the undeniable tragedy of the fall of the city.' (Morris' manuscript note for Quaritch's catalogue in Cockerell's presentation copy).
[Peterson A8].
[156 leaves, 214 leaves, with inserted blank; pp. xv, (i), 295; 297 - 718]. 3 vols. in 2. Large 4to. (300 x 220 mm). Elaborate decorative woodcut borders and initials throughout, text printed in Troy type, with table of characters and glossary in Chaucer type, printed in black and red throughout. Original publisher's limp vellum with Yapp edges, green cloth ties, titles gilt to spines.
#48677
