1909 Special Edition Volumes The Faerie Queene by Spenser

A rare edition of the 16th century epic poem ‘The Faerie Queene’ by Edmund Spenser.

The edition comes in 2 volumes and was limited to 350 examples. This text is based upon the 1596 edition with the fragment of Book VII from the 1609 folio edition. It is printed on handmade paper and is unillustrated. It was produced for distribution in Britain and America. The original version, which is incomplete was first published (books 1 to 3) in 1590, and then republished in 1596 together with books (4 to 6). The Faerie Queene is notable for its form: it is one of the longest poems in the English language and the origin of a verse form that came to be known as Spenserian stanza. In the story, the poem follows several knights in an examination of several virtues, though it is primarily an allegorical work, and can be read on several levels of allegory, including as praise of Queen Elizabeth I.

The 2 volumes were produced in Cambridge, at the University Press. Although limited to 350, this example does not appear to be numbered. Condition is fair to good, although there is some damage and yellowing of the cardboard covers and pages. Some of the pages have not had the folded paper of the top edge cut and are joined to the next page. We have left them like that, but can easily be cut if necessary.

Size each: 23 x 33 x 5.5 cm (9 x 13 x 2 1/8 inches)
Weight pair: 5860 g