Thomas Malory, 1634

MALORY, Thomas (c.1408-c.1471). The Most Ancient and Famous History of the Renowned Prince Arthur King of Britaine. London: William Stansby for Jacob Bloome, 1634.

"The only true English epic" (PMM), the sixth edition overall, this is the last of the early editions. Malory's classic rendition of the Legend of King Arthur was first printed by Caxton in 1485. "The matchless style, the humour, the magnificence, the magic that takes away the breath, combine in a masterpiece of legendary narrative. Each century has produced its own version of the Arthurian tapestry, but Malory's will never be forgotten" (Ibid). STC (2nd ed.), 806; See PMM (first edition).

Three parts in one, quarto (185 x 132mm). Woodcut frontispiece of the round table in every part, title pages to each part (browned, some minor repairs throughout occasionally with a few words in facsimile, mostly in third part). 19th-century brown morocco gilt by Charles Lewis, with symbols of knighthood gilt-stamped on boards, spine gilt in compartments, edges gilt (hinges repaired).