The Pearl

San Francisco: Grabhorn- Hoyem, 1967. Hardcover. Very Good. Hardcover. One of 225 copies. This newly translated edition of the anonymous medieval visionary poem published in 14th century England. The work survives in a unique manuscript, Cotton Nero A.x," which also contains Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, now held by the British Museum. The text is rendered here interlinearly in a French gothic type similar to the hand of the scribe. The Middle English is printed in red Lettre Batard type and the English translation in black Cochin. . The four illustrations from the manuscript are reproduced for the first time in full color by a linoleum block process. The poem is followed by a commentary on its poetics and historical setting that includes a guide to reading aloud the Middle English text, a discussion of its literary context, and an explanation of the symbolism. Bound in bright turquoise cloth with a white goatskin vellum spine with gilt titling to spine. Vellum has some spotting and there is a dark spot along the front edge of the cover and a barely visible white spot to lower edge of cover. Accompanied by the prospectus. In very good condition. Measures 9.25 x 11.25 inches. 130 pages. PRI/110624. (Inventory #: 37593)