The Nun's Priest's Tale of Chaucer, Geoffrey Chaucer — 1st Edition

£60.00

The Nun's Priest's Tale of Chaucer, Geoffrey Chaucer — 1st Edition

Name: The Nun's Priest's Tale of Chaucer, Geoffrey Chaucer — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5971
Price: 60.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Allen and Richard Lane, 1950

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [iv], 29, [iii].

Condition Report: Near Fine. The book is preserved in an exceptional state, protected by a clear acetate wrapper that has kept the patterned paper boards remarkably bright and free from the rubbing or fading typical of this binding style. The quarter parchment spine is clean and uncreased, with sharp, unbumped corners that evidence a distinct lack of shelf-wear. Internally, the binding remains perfectly tight and square. The pages and woodblock engravings are strikingly crisp and clean, showing no signs of foxing, oxidation, or reading wear, easily justifying the high grade for a volume of this age.

Catalogue Note: This special limited edition was strictly restricted to 1,000 copies, printed privately as a presentation book for the publishing magnate Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books. The text features striking colour and monochrome wood engravings by the acclaimed British artist and designer Lynton Lamb, adding significant visual appeal to the volume.

Of particular note is the book’s charming provenance. Loosely inserted is the original publisher's presentation card, bearing a handwritten Christmas greeting signed in red ink by Allen Lane and his wife, Lettice.

While standard copies of this printing surface occasionally on the open market, finding an exceptionally crisp copy complete with the original signed card is scarce, making this a highly desirable association item for collectors of mid-century private press and publishing history.

A vibrant and accessible modern rendering of Geoffrey Chaucer's classic beast fable from The Canterbury Tales. Translated into modern English by Nevill Coghill, this timeless story follows the proud rooster Chanticleer, who finds himself flattered and outwitted by a cunning fox. Rich with humour and philosophical musings on vanity, dreams, and deception, this beautifully illustrated edition breathes fresh life into one of English literature's most enduring and beloved tales.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Geoffrey Chaucer, Nevill Coghill

Book Publisher: Allen and Richard Lane

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 36

Book Publication Year: 1950

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardback

Illustrator: Lynton Lamb

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, 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.