First Stow edition, the fifth edition of Chaucer's collected works. Folio. Nineteenth century red morocco by Riviere, lettered in gilt to the spine and elaborate blind decoration to the spine and covers. All edges gilt. Woodcut of Chaucer's arms to the title, woodcut border to divisional titles for Canterbury Tales and Romaunt of the Rose, woodcut of the Knight heading the text of the Canterbury Tales, woodcut initials. Title page and first leaf of Prologue with some restoration at margins, some leaves with repairs to closed-tears, very occasional light staining, repairs and marginal restoration to final leaf affecting a few letters, some leaves professionally washed.

This was the first publication of the historian John Stow, who had earlier worked on William Thynne's Chaucer edition of 1532. Now primarily remembered for his Survey of London (1598), Stow was an antiquary whose work rivalled and complemented that of his friend Camden. Derek Pearsall has shown how Stow's scholarly skills were slighted because of his humble origins and his trade as a tailor, held to be inappropriately lowly to introduce England's first poet (John Stow And The Making Of The English Past, 2004). It was Thomas Speght who belittled Stow, yet he was happy to incorporate notes which Stow supplied him into his own 1598 edition. There were several editions of Chaucer during the 16th century and this one may well have been used by Shakespeare as a source-book for the story of Troilus and Cressida.
A complete and handsomely bound copy of one of the most attractive Elizabethan editions of Chaucer.

PROVENANCE: 16th century ownership signature on title page of "H. Westfaling" (also initialled "H. W." on divisional title to Canterbury Tales), probably Herbert Westfaling (or Westphaling) - or possibly his son, also Herbert - of Mansell Gamage, Herefordshire, bishop of Hereford. Herbert Westfaling's family originated in Westphalia and he entered Christ Church in 1547 aged fifteen. Archbishop Parker mentioned him in 1570 as a possible bishop of Oxford and he was consecrated bishop of Hereford in January 1586, where he was known for his zeal in converting Roman Catholics, "and was regarded by the lords in council as a fit and able person to be employed in conferences with Jesuits and other recusants... His personal library contained works by leading reformers of his time, his will mentioning the works of Calvin in folio, which he donated to Christ Church, Oxford, and nine volumes by Wolfgang Musculus, which he bequeathed to Hereford Cathedral Library. Shortly before his death he donated 20 to the Bodleian Library for the purchase of new books" (ODNB). Westfaling was "known for his gravity" (ibid.) and Francis Godwin, who succeeded him as bishop of Hereford, commented that he had scarcely ever seen him laugh. There is some inked marginalia (presumably in his hand), largely noting particular and perhaps unfamiliar words used by Chaucer.
Bookplate of Irish judge and noted collector William O'Brian to front pastedown, where there are subsequent book labels of the Milltown Park Library

Stock ID: 36492