Oxford: Printed at the Shakespeare Head Press…& Published for the Press by Basil Blackwell, 1930-1932. First Thus. One of 375 numbered copies on Batchelor’s Shakespeare Head handmade paper (this copy being number 134), out of a total edition of 386 copies. Eight large octavo volumes (11 3/16 x 7 1/8 inches; 285 x 194 mm.). Bound in the original quarter green calf over marbled boards by Douglas Cockerell. Vellum tips. Spines lettered and dated in gilt. All edges uncut. In the original glassines. Publisher's prospectus loosely laid in. Collating [8], 135, [1, blank], [3], 140*
-144*, 137-306, [1], [1, blank]; [8], 252; [8], 220, [1], [3, blank]; [8], 240, [1], [7, blank]; [8], 260, [2], [2, blank]; [8],
415, [1]; [8], 240, [1], [3, blank]; [8], 278, [2]. With 111 woodcut illustrations, decorations, and title vignettes after and by Hilda Quick, all hand-colored, except for five that are printed in red and black. A Vewe of the Present State of Ireland with pictorial woodcut title-page border and woodcut frontispiece map of Ireland by Macdonald Gill, both hand-colored. Lettering for half-titles, title-pages, headings, and initials printed in red, black, and blue after designs by Joscelyne Gaskin, some shoulder notes printed in red, with occasional text printed in red and black. A Fine set.

“The text of the present edition of Spenser’s Works has been prepared by Professor W.L. Renwick. It follows in every case the first editions…The decorations have been designed and engraved on wood by Hilda Quick, those in The Shepheardes Calender being based on the cuts in the original editions. The initial letters and the letterings for the title- page and headings have been engraved by her from designs by Joscelyne Gaskin...The eight volumes of Spenser, 1930, are equally good—different, as the character of the author, is, but in merita nothing to choose between them. Perhaps the small devices below Spenser’s sonnets, printed in black and in the vellum copies beautifully laid with gold, are the most discreet and opulent form of decoration, fitting and in flawless taste” (Franklin).

Franklin 150, 236. Ransom 17:67. (Item #3785)