[Fine Binding | Zaehnsdorf | Large Paper Copy] Aucassin & Nicolete

Lang, Andrew (trans). Aucassin and Nicolete. London: Published by David Nutt, 1887. Large paper copy. As noted on the limitation page: "Sixty-three copies (of which Fifty-three only for sale) of this edition are printed. The whole being on Japanese paper. No. 8." Signed by Nutt. Printed in black and red at the Chiswick Press with frontispiece (in two states), head and tail pieces by P.J. Hood.

Full deep red morocco by Zaehnsdorf, the covers with a beautiful Grolieresque design of gilt strapwork, accented with fleuron and foliate tools, the design built around a large central oval reserve. Spine with five raised bands, title and author to second and fourth compartments, remaining compartments gilt with interlaced tooling and small fleurons. Turn-ins gilt-ruled with fleurons; endpapers of red moiré silk. Zaehnsdorf "exhibition" stamp in blind to rear pastedown. All edges gilt. Measures 5.5" x 9". Mild surface rubbing to joints and spine tips, light wear to corners; most areas of wear have been neatly color-matched to the original morocco. Leather to central reserve of first spine compartment worn away (see image). Some fingerprints to text.