CHAUCER, Geoffrey (c.1343-1400). The Workes of Our Ancient and Learned English Poet, Geffrey Chaucer, Newly Printed. Edited by Thomas Speght. London: Adam Islip, 1687.

The last black letter edition of Chaucer's work and the first to include the conclusions to the Cook's and Squire's Tales. This is Speght's text; his work as an editor, which included the addition of a glossary, sources list, and new biography of the poet, shaped the reading of Chaucer for the next several centuries. Pforzheimer 179. See Machan, “Speght’s Works and the Invention of Chaucer,” 1996.

Folio (309 x 196mm). Engraved frontispiece by John Speed, woodcut arms of Chaucer (toned with occasional spots and stains). 18th-century speckled calf gilt (rebacked with endpapers renewed). Provenance: John Hardy (armorial bookplate).

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