The Canterbury Tales of Chaucer; ... By T. Tyrwhitt. 5 vols.

This is a rare or used book from the Berkelouw Rare Books Department.

London: W. Pickering 1822. 8vo. Orig. half green morocco binding with marbled boards (boards and edges rubbed although skilfully restored). Spine gilt with raised bands. T.e.g. With engraved portrait and 2 full-page engravings (Canterbury Pilgrimage engraving bound in duplicate). An amorial bookplate laid down in the front of each volume. Some foxing. NOTE:Geoffrey Chaucer (circa 1343-1400) was the first great English poet to write in English and 'whose work is not religious in purpose or content' (Saul). The Canterbury Tales is an exquisitely satirical comedy of manners and tales it includes an amazing range of genres learning and characters. It is considered that we will never get closer to ordinary 14th century lives than in these dramatic and interesting episodes. The Canterbury Tales offered William Shakespeare an invaluable scholarly source of guidance to 14th century English assisting in his development as a writer. Although Shakespeare gained greater acknowledgment for developing English Chaucer was undoubtedly the first master of the English language. This edition was considered to be Pickering's first entirely characteristic production.