269, [1] pp. Wood-engraved initials, decorations and illustrations by Eric Gill, some full-page. 33x23.5 cm. (13x9¼"), original half pigskin & cloth, spine lettered in gilt, raised bands, t.e.g., others untrimmed; bound by Sangorski & Sutcliffe. No. 249 of 500 copies printed by Moira & Robert Gibbings on Batchelor hand-made paper.
One of the greatest of all private press books, considered by many the finest production from the Golden Cockerel Press, sharing status with the Kelmscott Chaucer, Ashendene Dante, and Doves Press Bible. "Conceived in the mind of Robert Gibbings, this is the Golden Cockerel book usually compared with the Doves Bible and the Kelmscott Chaucer. A flower among the best products of English romantic genius, it is also surely, thanks to its illustrator, Eric Gill, the book among all books in which Roman type has been best mated with any kind of illustration ..." (Chanticleer 78). With the highly distinguished provenance of C.H. St. John Hornby, founder and proprietor of the Ashendene Press, one of the greatest printers of private press books, with his bookplate.
Condition:
Front covers with offset and discoloration resembling a "batik" pattern, spine with a few scuffs and minor soiling; else very good, internally clean and fine.