Froissart, Jean | A primary source for Shakespeare

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

Froissart, Jean

The Cronycles of Englande, Fraunce, Spayne, Portyngale, Scotlande, Bretaine, Flaunders: And Other Places Adioynynge. Translated by John Bourchier, 2nd Baron Berners. London: Richard Pynson, 28 January 1523-31 August 1525

Two volumes bound in one, folio (310 x 212 mm). Blackletter type, woodcut border to vol. 2, Tudor arms on title verso, Bourchier's arms at end of each volume, woodcut initials; with at least 6 leaves supplied from another copy, including several of the preliminaries in vol. 1 and the terminal leaf of vol. 2 (inlaid and with outer border in pen facsimile), several leaves with marginal restoration, more extensive in the last three leaves of vol. 1 (with elements of the device in facsimile), a few marginal tears, a4 and Fff1-3 in vol. 2 with repaired tears crossing text, worming occasionally catching letters. Modern blind-paneled calf over wood boards; moderate wear.

First edition in English of Froissart’s important history, and a primary source for Shakespeare. Henry VIII commissioned the translation and printing by Richard Pynson. This is the issue with "redouted" on the second title. In part due to its heft and heavy use by early readers, the book is often found made up (with sheets from both the first and second editions), incomplete, or otherwise sophisticated.

REFERENCE:

STC 11396 and 11397; ESTC S121316 and S126450

PROVENANCE:

Galiel Shrigley — Joshua Pickford (signatures on title of vol. 2)