Jean Froissart | Cronycles, 1542 and ca 1535

[Jean Froissart]

Here begynneth the fyrst volum of Syr Iohan Froyssart of the cronycles ... Translated out of frenche into our materall [sic] Englysshe tonge, by Iohan Bouchier. [London: [Richard Redman and] William Myddylton, [c.1535 and 1542]]

Folio (325 x 230mm), second edition, woodcut initials, quarter blindstamped calf over wooden boards, rebacked, title page and final leaf (3O4) in facsimile, n6 with old tear repaired with red sealing wax with loss of a few letters, closed tear to 3e5, some marginal tears not affecting text, wormholes

The first volume of the Chronicles of Jean Froissart (c.1337-c.1405), describing the early stages of the Hundred Years' War and later used as a source by Shakespeare. The book was translated into English at the command of Henry VIII by John Bouchier, Lord Berners (1467-1533). The publication date of this second edition is conjectural, and it includes some sheets printed some years earlier by Richard Redman, possibly produced originally to supplement the stock for copies of the first edition of 1523.

LITERATURE:

ESTC S121320