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Spenser, Edmund & Wise, Thomas J. (editor)
Spenser’s Faerie Queene: A Poem in Six Books with the Fragment Mutabilitie.
Publisher: Folio Society, London;
Date of Publication: 2011
Stock Code: 12228
Facsimile Limited Edition: Number 773 of 1000 copies only. Quarto, pp., lxxxvii, [9], 527, [1]; viii, 529-1044; viii, 1045-1546, [8]. Lavishly illustrated throughout by Walter Crane with 88 full page plates and 135 head- and tail-pieces. Full ivory goatskin heavily blocked in gilt to spine and upper board with a design based on Walter Crane’s original; top edge gilt; white ribbon place-marker. The three volumes housed in a solid wood slipcase, covered with maroon crushed silk, with grey silk lining and sliding tray in base for access. Complete with publisher’s pictorial envelope containing the Folio Society prospectus and introductory letter for the set, together with Alan Stewart’s introductory booklet “Spenser’s Faerie Queene ‘bold bawdry and open manslaughter’”, pp. 8 in printed paper wraps.

No annotation or inscriptions. Very slight crease at tail of spine Vol II otherwise a near fine set in like slipcase. Spenser’s rich and allegorical Elizabethan masterpiece, originally published in six books from 1590 to 1596. This set is a facsimile of the sought-after 1894-7 edition, beautifully illustrated by Walter Crane in high Arts and Crafts style, intertwined with an Art Nouveau aesthetic. The original Crane illustrated edition was issued unbound so that collectors could choose a binding to suit their taste. This Folio Society limited edition is a faithful reproduction and a very handsome set. Heavyweight, so a contribution towards increased postage costs will be requested for overseas delivery. £1150.00