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The Works of Geoffrey Chaucer newly imprinted
Author: Geoffrey Chaucer (English, died in 1400)
Illustrated by: Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)
Decoration designed by: William Morris (English, 1834–1896)
Cut by: William Harcourt Hooper (English, 1834–1912)
Printer and Publisher: Kelmscott Press, Hammersmith
Illustrated by: Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones (English, 1833–1898)
Decoration designed by: William Morris (English, 1834–1896)
Cut by: William Harcourt Hooper (English, 1834–1912)
Printer and Publisher: Kelmscott Press, Hammersmith
1896
Place of Publication: Hammersmith [London], England
Medium/Technique
Illustrated book with 87 woodcut illustrations and numerous woodcut borders and decorations
Dimensions
Overall: 43.6 x 30.5 x 7 cm (17 3/16 x 12 x 2 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
The Elizabeth Day McCormick Collection
Accession Number1972.853
NOT ON VIEW
CollectionsEurope, Prints and Drawings
ClassificationsIllustrated books
Hammersmith [London]: Kelmscott Press, 1896
Catalogue Raisonné
Peterson, Kelmscott Press, A40; Peterson, Kelmscott Chaucer: A Census, 2.139; Artist & the Book 45; Castleman, Century of Artists Books, p. 105
Description(Hammersmith [London]: Kelmscott Press, 1896); large folio; 278 leaves; blind-stamped pigskin boards (The Doves Bindery, 1897).
First edition with these illustrations, which consist of woodcut illustrations after Burne-Jones, cut by Hooper, and elaborate decorative borders designed by both Burne-Jones and Morris. The type was also designed by Morris, who founded the Kelmscott Press as a vehicle for his Arts and Crafts publishing efforts. The Kelsmscott Chaucer is the most elaborate book from the press, printed in an edition of 438 copies (13 on vellum; 425 on paper). This MFA copy is on paper, but bound in one of the special blind-stamped pigskin bindings designed by Morris and bound by the Doves Bindery (stamp inside lower cover dated 1897). The MFA owns a second copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer, in the Sargent Collection.
First edition with these illustrations, which consist of woodcut illustrations after Burne-Jones, cut by Hooper, and elaborate decorative borders designed by both Burne-Jones and Morris. The type was also designed by Morris, who founded the Kelmscott Press as a vehicle for his Arts and Crafts publishing efforts. The Kelsmscott Chaucer is the most elaborate book from the press, printed in an edition of 438 copies (13 on vellum; 425 on paper). This MFA copy is on paper, but bound in one of the special blind-stamped pigskin bindings designed by Morris and bound by the Doves Bindery (stamp inside lower cover dated 1897). The MFA owns a second copy of the Kelmscott Chaucer, in the Sargent Collection.
ProvenanceElizabeth Day McCormick (1873-1957); Museum Library; transferred to Print Dept., September 13, 1972.