The Poetical Works.

SPENSER, Edmund.

Published by London: William Pickering, 1839

About this Item

An attractively bound set published for the Aldine Edition of the British Poets, renowned for its elegant typography and for the diligence of its editors. Spenser's poetry influenced "virtually all major poets writing in English before the twentieth century" (ODNB). The publisher Pickering's "achievements are now well acknowledged: the introduction of cloth binding, leading to the wider availability of books at lower prices; the publication of reputable editions of both standard and neglected works; and a close attention to book design which had a lasting influence" (ibid.). 5 vols, small octavo (158 x 199 mm). Engraved frontispiece to vol. 1, publisher's anchor device to title pages, woodcut headpieces. Contemporary red morocco, spine with raised bands, lettering and intricate gilt decoration in compartments, covers elaborately framed in gilt and in blind, floral gilt decoration to board edges and turn-ins, yellow coated endpapers, edges gilt. Spines uniformly faintly toned, trivial rubbing to extremities, sides bright, minor loss to a few endbands, headband of vol. I missing, short superficial split to rear inner hinge of vol. I, but firm, foxing to endpapers and a couple of initial and final leaves in each volume, short closed tear to rear free endpaper in vol. IV, sporadic marks to contents, otherwise clean. A very good set, presenting handsomely in the binding.

Seller Inventory # 160090

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Poetical Works.
• Publisher: London: William Pickering, 1839