Aucassin and Nicolete : Evelyn Paul : Unusual Medieval Style Binding c1917

Aucassin and Nicolete

From the Old French By Michael West

Depictured By Main R. Bocher

Music By Horace Mansion

Decorated Evelyn Paul

London; George G. Harrap & Co., no date (circa 1917). First thus with this binding designed to imitate a medieval binding with brass rivets. 10 " X 7.5 ". 120 pages. Decorated byn Evely Paul.

A scarce and beautifully bound edition of Aucassin et Nicolette (12th or 13th century) the anonymous medieval French fictional story. It is the unique example of a chantefable, literally, a "sung story", a combination of prose and verse (similar to a prosimetrum). 

The story recounts the tale of Aucassin, son of Count Garin of Beaucaire, who so loved Nicolette, a Saracen maiden, who had been sold to the Viscount of Beaucaire, baptized and adopted by him, that he had forsaken knighthood and chivalry and even refused to defend his father's territories from enemies. Accordingly, his father ordered the Viscount to send Nicolette away, but instead the Viscount locked her in a tower of his palace. Aucassin is imprisoned by his father to prevent him from going after his beloved Nicolette. But Nicolette escapes, hears Aucassin lamenting in his cell, and comforts him with sweet words. She flees to the forest outside the gates, and there, in order to test Aucassin's fidelity, builds a rustic home to await his arrival. When he is released from prison Aucassin hears from shepherd lads of Nicolette's hiding-place, and seeks her bower. The lovers, united, resolve to leave the country...

CONDITION
A very good copy. The leather binding is in very good condition with no damage. All contents present and pages in good clean condition throughout and free from foxing, stains etc. Small name to front endpaper. Overall a very good copy.

(Desk / Lower Shelf / Left of Centre)