This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/21/2024
[FINE PRESS]. [KELMSCOTT PRESS]. CAXTON, William, translator. The History of Reynard the Foxe. Edited by Henry Halliday Sparling. [Hammersmith: Kelmscott Press, 1892]. Large 4to. [vi], [1]-[163], [7, blank] pp. Approximately 11 ¼ x 8”. Printed in Troy type (glossary in Chaucer type) in red and black, woodcut title–page and facing page with full woodcut page–border, 8–line and smaller initials, numerous partial borders (a few leaves with pale marginal browning, else fine). Beautifully bound in later full brown levant morocco, front board paneled, lettered and double-ruled in gilt, rear board double-ruled in gilt, spine ruled in gilt, five raised bands, later endleaves. Fine. LIMITED EDITION, one of 300 copies on Flower paper from a total edition of 310 copies printed by William Morris. According to Morris in a Quaritch catalogue, Caxton’s translation from the Dutch to English, he wrote is “one of the very best of his works as to style; and being translated from a kindred tongue is delightful as to mere language. In its rude joviality, and simple and direct delineation of character, it is a thoroughly good representative of the famous ancient Beast Epic.” (Cockerell, A Note by William Morris) Reynard the Foxe is “one of Morris’ finest designed titles” (Forman, Books of William Morris, p. 146). A Note by William Morris 10; Franklin, Private Presses, p. 189; Peterson A10; Ransom, Kelmscott 10.