THE WORKS OF OUR ANCIENT, LEARNED, & EXCELLENT ENGLISH POET, JEFFREY CHAUCER As they have lately been Compar'd with the best Manuscripts; and several things added, never before in Print. To which is adjoyn'd, The Story of the Siege of Thebes, by John Lidgate, Monk of Bury. Together with The Life of Chaucer, shewing His Countrey, Parentage, Education, Marriage, Children, Revenues, Service, Reward, Friends, Books, Death. Also a Table, where

The Third and final Speght Edition (the last to be printed in Black Letter) and eighth collected edition. This follows the text of the 1602 edition, with the addition of the then recently discovered endings of the Cook's and the Squire's Tales to the verso of the last leaf. Folio (approx. 32 x 21cm) full calf, rebacked, with raised bands, original black title label, gilt to spine and original boards with gilt borders. Corners restored inside. Original marbled endpapers and decorative gilt dentelles. All edges yellow. [12], 660pp. [24]. Frontispiece with the Gower portrait. Text printed in Black Letter in two columns. LACKING GATHERS A, B AND C (24pp.) which include the Life of Geffrey Chaucer (12pp.) with coat of arms but none of the principal text. '1686' handwritten next to date on title page and faint, partially erased inscription to top of title page. Lower, outer corner of frontispiece has been repaired (please see photo). A few small repairs to foredge of first few pages, thumb-sized loss to foot of p.565, and small loss to foredge of p.611-614 due to worming. Occasional light foxing and small scorch marks but overall very clean internally and binding nice and firm. Board edges somewhat worn and boards lightly scratched and rubbed (please see photos). A VERY GOOD, SOUND COPY.