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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
1896

Medium/Technique Illustrated book with 87 woodcut illustrations and numerous woodcut borders and decorations
Dimensions 44 cm (17 5/16 in.)
Credit Line William A. Sargent Collection—Bequest of William A. Sargent
Accession Number37.2550
NOT ON VIEW
ClassificationsIllustrated books

Catalogue Raisonné Peterson, Kelmscott Press, A40; Peterson, Kelmscott Chaucer: A Census, 2.138; Artist & the Book 45; Castleman, Century of Artists Books, p. 105
Description(Hammersmith [London]: Kelmscott Press, 1896); large folio; 278 leaves; embroidered linen slip-cover.

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).
ProvenanceAcquired on August 27, 1914, from Goodspeed's Bookshop, Boston, by William A. Sargent, Boston (1858-1936), by whom bequeathed to MFA, November 17, 1937.