The Faerie Queene Vols I and II: Limited Edition #13 of 350 by Spenser, Edmund - 1909

Cambridge at the University Press, 1909. Limited Edition . Vellum. Very Good/No Jacket As Issued. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. Large two volume set, bound in the original vellum with gilt titling and decoration. Top edges gilt. "Of this Edition, printed in the Cambridge type upon handmade paper, three hundred & fifty copies have been printed, of which three hundred (numbered) are for sale in England and America, and the type has been distributed. This copy is number 13". From the family library of Maxwell Laurie (brother of the publisher, Thomas Werner Laurie) and his wife Marjorie (daughter of the governor of Burma, Sir Herbert Thirkell White), Vol. I has gift inscription to Marjorie from her Father and Mother. Occasional spotting to both volumes but otherwise clean. Guttering exposed between first two blanks of Vol. II but this has no effect on the binding which is firm. There are dents to the spine heads suggesting the books have been knocked, the vellum is not as white as it once was and there's some marking and wear but this is a handsome and presentable set nevertheless. Folio - over 12" - 15" tall. "The Faerie Queene (1590) is an epic poem by Edmund Spenser (c. 1552-1599), which follows the adventures of a number of medieval knights. The poem, written in a deliberately archaic style, draws on history and myth, particularly the legends of Arthur. Each book follows the adventures of a knight who represents a particular virtue (holiness, temperance, chastity, friendship, justice and courtesy) and who has that quality in him or herself tested by the plot. The Faerie Queene is an allegorical work in praise of Elizabeth I (represented by Gloriana - the Faerie Queene herself - and the virgin Belphoebe) and of Elizabethan notions of virtue. The poem employs frequent allusions to recent history and contemporary politics in its celebration and critique of the Tudor dynasty, such as the religious controversies and reforms under Mary and Elizabeth. Spenser wrote that one of his intentions was that the reading of this work should 'fashion a gentleman or noble person in virtuous and gentle disciple'. Spenser invented a new verse form for his epic that is now known as the Spenserian stanza." - courtesy of the British Library. Oversize heavy set. U.K. postage at default charge but overseas buyers will be asked for extra postage. USA £58.95.