CHAUCER, Geoffrey (c.1343-1400). The Workes of Geffray Chaucer Newly Printed, with Dyvers Workes whiche were Never in Print Before. London: [Nicolas Hill for] Thomas Petit [c.1550].

CHAUCER, Geoffrey (c.1343-1400). The Workes of Geffray Chaucer Newly Printed, with Dyvers Workes whiche were Never in Print Before. London: [Nicolas Hill for] Thomas Petit [c.1550].

An important early edition of the works of Chaucer, with contemporary annotations. Chaucer, called by Caxton “the worshipful fader and first foundeur and enbelissher of ornate eloquence in our Englissh,” played an important role in the popularization of vernacular English as a language of literature and he stands beside Shakespeare as one of that language’s greatest authors. The text printed here was edited by William Thynne, who was commissioned by Henry VIII to search for copies of Chaucer's manuscripts in the libraries and monasteries of England. Alongside the canonical works, several texts now known to be apocryphal are included. Pforzheimer, 174; STC (2nd ed.), 5073.

Folio (293 x 194mm). Woodcut title borders, 2 woodcut illustrations, woodcut initials (faint dampstaining, occasional staining). 17th century calf, tooled and gilt, red edges (rebacked). Provenance: annotations and underlining in several early hands – Thomas Molling (prior of Castleacre; signature on title dated 1556) – John Yorke (bookplate).