This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/18/2024
GOWER, John (1330-1408). De Confessione Amantis. London: Thomas Berthelette, 1532. 4to (263 x 180 mm). (Title-page supplied in handmade ink facsimile, fols. 76 – 83 mounted, text visible on rectos and versos). Fols. 96, 118, 121 are lacking. Some leaves with light damage or occasional loss of text. Bound to style in modern full brown calf, boards decoratively paneled in blind, spine stamped in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, new marbled endleaves and blanks (light rubbing to binding, some wear, soiling to facsimile title-page, leaf following title-page restored at edges, text toned, somewhat worn, soiled, foxed, some occasional ink markings). Second edition. A friend of Geoffrey Chaucer (d. 1400), Gower (Chaucer dedicated Troilus and Cresseyde to Gower), Gower was inspired by his successful friend to writing poetry and prose. De Confessione Amantis is a collection of stories and poems, including one about Appollyunus the Prince of Tyre, which was the primary source for Shakespeare’s Pericles (Gower appears in Shakespeare’s play as the narrator). STC 12142. Pforzheimer 421.