ASHENDENE PRESS. CERVANTES SAAVEDRA, Miguel de. ~ The First/Second Part of the History of the Valorius and Witty Knight-Errant Don Quixote of the Mancha.
Translated into English by Thomas Shelton (first printed in 1612 and 1620). Two parts in two volumes. Each one of 225 copies on Batchelor paper, 20 copies were printed on vellum. Decorative initials and borders designed by Louise Powell and cut on wood by W.M. Quick & Geo. H. Ford. Chapter headings, shoulder notes and some of the text in red. Printed in double columns in the new Ptolemy type. Folio, handsomely bound in original full white pigskin by the W.H. Smith bindery (signed on lower turn-ins, gilt lettering on spine. Bindings with a few marks and eight small circular green marks to lower board of the first volume, spines a little darkened but generally an extremely good, clean and crisp set.
The first Ashendene to be printed in Hornby's new Ptolemy type which was adpated from the type used by F. Holle of Ulm for the Geographia of Ptolemaeus in 1482. The Kelmscott-like decorated initials and borders cut on wood are very handsome and suit the work well. Emery call the book 'truly magnificent' adding 'Mrs Powell's initials and ornaments are very harmonious and virile".
A very good copy of a statuesque book.