Of Aucassin and Nicolette, Laurence Housman

£67.50

Of Aucassin and Nicolette, Laurence Housman

Name: Of Aucassin and Nicolette, Laurence Housman
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6844
Price: 67.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£67.50

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: London, Chatto & Windus, 1925

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 106.

Condition Report: Very Good. The original dust jacket is unclipped (bearing the original '5s. net' price on the front flap) but shows notable tanning and darkening, particularly to the spine panel, alongside edge-wear and chipping to the extremities with a small loss at the tail. However, it has successfully protected the book itself; underneath the jacket, the publisher's original pinkish-red cloth binding is remarkably bright and well-preserved. The gilt lettering and floral motif on the front board and spine are sharply struck and unoxidised, and the corners remain sharp with negligible shelf-wear. Internally, the binding is tight and square. The patterned endpapers are clean, and the text block is exceptionally crisp and bright, free from foxing or internal markings, allowing the beautiful engravings to present boldly.

Catalogue Note: This is the 1925 edition of Of Aucassin and Nicolette, published by Chatto & Windus and beautifully printed at the renowned Shakespeare Head Press in Stratford-upon-Avon.

While originally published in 1902 by John Murray, this newly arranged 1925 Shakespeare Head Press production breathes new life into the text. The volume is notably enhanced by the exquisite drawings of Paul Woodroffe, which were meticulously engraved on wood by Clemence Housman, sister to the translator and author Laurence Housman.

Locating a copy that retains its original, unclipped 1925 dust jacket is decidedly scarce. The jacket has done an admirable job of preserving the strikingly bright publisher's cloth beneath.

A captivating translation of the classic 13th-century French chantefable (a story told in alternating sections of verse and prose), Of Aucassin and Nicolette follows the trials and tribulations of two young lovers. Aucassin, the son of the Count of Beaucaire, falls deeply in love with Nicolette, a beautiful captive girl of unknown origins. Facing fierce opposition from Aucassin's father, the lovers are separated and thrust into a series of adventures, captures, and escapes across lands and seas. Laurence Housman's sensitive prose and verse translation perfectly captures the medieval romance and enduring charm of this timeless tale.

Book Condition: Very Good

Book Authors: Laurence Housman

Book Publisher: Chatto & Windus

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Romance

Book edition:

Signed: No

Book Pages: 106

Book Publication Year: 1925

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: Paul Woodroffe

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.