A Lytell Geste of ROBIN HODE: WITH OTHER ANCIENT & MODERN BALLADS AND SONGS RELATING TO THIS CELEBRATED YEOMAN TO WHICH IS PREFIXED HIS HISTORY AND CHARACTER, GROUNDED UPON OTHER DOCUMENTS THAN THOSE MADE USE OF BY HIS FORMER BIOGRAPHER, "MISTER RITSON"

GUTCH, John Mathew (Editor); FAIRHOLT, F. W. (Illustrator). A Lytell Geste of Robin Hode, with Other Ancient & Modern Ballads and Songs Relating to This Celebrated Yeoman; To Which is Prefixed His History and Character, Grounded upon Other Documents than Those Made Use of by His Former Biographer, "Mister Ritson." London: Longman, Brown, Green, & Longmans, 1847. First Edition thus. Two volumes, octavo (8.25" x 6"). An attractive Victorian two-volume critical edition of the Robin Hood legend. Illustrated throughout with wood-engraved headpieces, tailpieces and vignettes designed and engraved by noted antiquary and artist Frederick William Fairholt, including the elaborate woodcut frontispiece depicting an "Ancient Morris Dance." Bound in handsome three-quarter dark blue/navy morocco over vibrant blue-and-black marbled boards. Spines feature five raised bands, compartments heavily framed and decorated with gilt floral/star center tools and flourishes, with gilt-lettered titles and volume designations directly in the second and third compartments. Gilt ruling along the leather edges on the covers; all text edges trimmed and plain. Very Good+. The bindings remain sound, square, and tight, with only light rubbing to the corners and shelfwear along the lower board edges. Internally clean with occasional light foxing typical of Victorian wove paper; frontise toned, text block solid and free from significant defect. A decorative, well-preserved shelf set of one of the 19th century's seminal compilations of Robin Hood lore and balladry. Publishers Fine Leather Bindings.…