The Percy Folio of Old English Ballads and Romances 4 volume set.
London: At the De La More Press, 1905-1910. Full Leather. Complete four volume set. 31 x 22.5 cm. Quarto. ii 246pp, ii 330pp, i 235pp, ix 339pp. Limited to 320 sets printed on hand-made paper and 5 on vellum of which this is copy 285 of the copies printed on hand-made paper. Set has been uniformly rebound into early 20th century full dark green pigskin. Gilt lettering to spine, 4 raised bands to spine. Part of "The King's Library" edited by Professor Gollancz; this being the fourth title in the series. Engraved portrait on title page of each volume. Additional engraved "King's Libraray series" page in volume 1. Spines are lightly sun faded. Previous owner's bookplate in each volume. Soiling to the first white page of volume 4. Some rubbing to edges of covers. Near Fine. Item #71500
Important source on ballad literature. Originally compiled in the 17th century but with some material going back to the 12th century. Percy used this as his main source for "Reliques of Ancient English Poetry", published in 1765. Includes several Arthurian and Robin Hood related pieces.
Price: $2,000.00