The First and Second Part of the History of the Valorous and Wittie Knight Errant Don Quixote of the Mancha

DESCRIPTION: Folio size,17 x 12 inches (43.5 x 31 ccm). Two volumes. The 1620 English translation of Thomas Shelton. One of 225 copies printed on Batchelor hand-made paper with the Knight in Armour watermark. In the preferred and scarce binding of full dark green morocco by W. H. Smith & Sons, gilt-stamped inside rear covers. Five raised bands and gilt titling on spines. Printed in red and black in double columns using the newly designed Ashendene Ptolemy type. Woodcut initials and three-quarter page borders designed by Louise Powell. Both volumes protected with archival, clear Grafix Dura Lar dust wrappers. _____ CONDITION: Fine. Trivial rubbing on raised bands at head and foot of Vol. 1 spine. Otherwise, a flawless copy. No markings, ex-libris. Text blocks square and firm, hinges intact. Internal pages pristine, bright & white without foxing or any hint of toning.______DISCUSSION: This two-volume set is one of the most ambitious projects by the Ashendene Press, the longest and most expensive to produce. The new Ashendene type was derived from the type used by Holle of Ulm for the printing of Ptolemy's Geographia in 1482. The elegant wood engraved borders and initial letters by Louise Powell are reminiscent of the Kelmscott Press work three decades earlier. Copies in the dark green morocco are scarce, especially in this fine condition. NOTE: This is a large, extremely heavy set that will require additional postage for domestic shipping. International shipping cost using USPS International Priority Mail to Canada and the United Kingdom is $125. Shipping cost to more distant locations may incur additional charge.…