Troilus & Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer & Eric Gill, Deluxe Limited Edition

This is a beautiful leather bound limited edition of “Troilus & Criseyde” by Geoffrey Chaucer published by the Folio Society in 2011 with a limitation of 1250 copies this being number 275. The Folio Society edition is a facsimile reproduction of the 1927 Golden Cockerel Press edition using the text from the Globe edition of 1898 and features the original Eric Gill illustrations. From the publisher: “Eric Gill is a controversial but brilliant figure. One of the finest artists of the 20th century, he developed an elegant, spare style which is instantly recognizable throughout his work – from the sculpted figures of Prospero and Ariel on Broadcasting House in London, to his lettering and typefaces, or his superb engraved illustrations. In his work for the Golden Cockerel Press, Gill was able to display his artistic versatility, marrying the medieval illuminated manuscript tradition with the modernist aesthetic. Just like Chaucer’s poem, the illustrations are by turns playful and tender, erotic and tragic. Gill depicts the two lovers at the crucial moments of their relationship: when Troilus first sees Criseyde; Pandarus bringing her to see Troilus; the night Criseyde finally accepts his love; their parting at the gates of the city when Criseyde is forced to leave; and the death of Troilus, killed by Achilles. The borders and marginal illustrations show Chaucer himself writing the book, the God of Love, and birds, trees and flowers – appropriate images for a poem that both promotes and provides a critique of courtly love.”

Measuring 12.5" x 7.75" and containing 328 pages, the book is bound in full black goatskin covered boards with a cover design by Neil Gower from Gill’s original engravings. The upper edges are gold gilt and the book comes with a built in satin bookmark. Accompanying the book is a 48 page commentary volume that is bound in buckram with Merida paper sides. The book is housed in a buckram clamshell solander box that serves to protect and display the book and commentary volume.

Both the book and clamshell box are in FINE condition with no flaws.

Photographs of the book and some of the illustrations contained in the book appear in the photo section of the listing.