London: Printed at the Chiswick Press for George Allen, 1897. Hardcover. One of 1000 sets on paper (there were an additional 28 on vellum). A magnificent edition of The Faerie Queene with Crane's glorious illustrations. Walter Crane (1845-1915) was renowned as an illustrator, artist, decorator, and designer during his career. This was Crane’s most elaborate and extensive commission as a book illustrator. It was inspired by the revival of the private press, particularly the Kelmscott Press, as well as by the transition from Art Nouveau to Arts and Crafts, and by the importance of the illustrator in book production. Bound in white cloth, with gilt spine lettering plus red titling to front cover along with a large Art Nouveau design in gilt. This was originally issued in 19 parts, and all of the original salmon colored pictorial front wrappers are bound in. There are 88 mostly full page (one double page) black on white and white on black illustrations and 132 head or tail pieces, all from woodcut designs by Crane. The boards show very light wear and spines are slightly darker than covers. The texts are very tight throughout. Endpapers and pastedowns have varying degrees of foxing. Pages with some light aging to the margins and darkening to edges. First three pages of Volume I have brown splatters to bottom margins. Despite flaws still a beautiful set in very good condition.1546 pages. PRI/ 063022. Very Good.

Item #35723

Price: $2,200.00