Books

First edition; folio (402 x 265 mm); 2 engraved portraits of Urry and Chaucer, engraved vignette to title, other engravings in the text, decorative initials and head- and tail-pieces throughout, some light toning, scattered light spotting; contemporary blind-tooled calf, spine gilt in compartments, red morocco title-piece with gilt lettering, boards slightly worn, corners slightly rubbed, overall a very good copy; [vi], 626, 81, [1]errata pp. The first complete edition of Chaucer printed in roman letter, also the first to provide descriptions of the manuscripts of Chaucer's works and the first to print the spurious texts of 'Gamelyn' and 'The Tale of Beryn'. John Urry died in 1715 whilst preparing this edition and his work was continued by Thomas Ainsworth who in turn died in 1719. The edition was completed by Timothy and William Thomas, the former revising the life of Chaucer by Rev. John Dart and compiling much of the glossary 'explaining the obsolete and difficult words in Chaucer.' Bowyer Ledgers 779; ESTC T106027; Alston, III.35.