The Complete Works. Edited, from numerous manuscripts by the Rev. Walter W. Skeat.

First Skeat edition, an attractively bound set of what remained the standard edition of Chaucer until it was superseded by that of F. N. Robinson in 1933. Skeat's "interpretative and historical notes were regularly consulted by editors working on the Riverside edition of Chaucer" (ODNB). "All Skeat's vast output is distinguished by accuracy in matter of fact, wide learning, and humanity, and most of it he produced without prospect of reward, out of devotion to his subject. His own prescription for such monuments of scholarship was enthusiasm, with unremitting application, and he wasted no time" (ibid.) 7 vols, octavo (220 x 140 mm). Frontispiece in vols I-IV, as issued, vol. III with 6 plates of diagrams. Contemporary red half morocco by Bickers & Son, spines lettered and ruled in gilt, sides and corners trimmed with gilt fillet, marbled sides and endpapers, top edges gilt, others untrimmed, red silk bookmarkers. Light soiling to marbled sides, a number of upper joints split at foot, bindings remaining sound, occasional foxing, clean overall. A very good set. …