CANTERBURY TALES OF GEOFFREY CHAUCER TOGETHER WITH A VERSION IN MODERN ENGLISH VERSE; [includes portfolio of 5 large prints, each signed by Rockwell Kent]

Chicago: Covici Friede, 1930. First edition thus: illustrated by Kent and translated by Van Wyck. THE DELUXE EDITION. Number 28 of only 75 copies SIGNED BY KENT at end of second volume and with an extra suite of FIVE SEPARATE 5-PANEL PLATES, EACH ONE SIGNED BY KENT. Two folio-sized full-leather volumes housed together in publisher's slipcase with three separate compartments – one for each volume and the center one for the 40 x 15.5” plates which are folded into a cloth-covered chemise. The modernized text, "rendered completely and without deletions into modern verse" by Van Wyck, is printed side-by-side with Chaucer's original. Near fine with spines sympathetically (truncated) re-backed in complementary leather. In a very good, solid slipcase with dividers and chemise still present. The chemise, which is stored in center compartment and houses the extra suite of signed prints is more flimsy than one might expect allowing them to sag just a bit though they are otherwise nearly fine. Includes original prospectus. Exceedingly scarce, especially so with suite of prints intact. (Inventory #: 71650)