De Confessione Amantis- 1554 de Gower, John - 1554: English Black Letter Press- Rare volume

Gower, (John); (c. 1330 – October 1408) De Confessione Amantis, small folio, printed by Berthelette, in double columns, black letter, corner of margins repaired, and some leaves soiled, with fine woodcut title-page, 9-3/4 X 6-3/4 inches, mottled 18th century calf. Imprinted at London, in Flete-strete, by Thomas Berthelette, XII. Daie of Marche, MDLIIII (1554). [2, blank], *6, A-I6, K-U6, X-Z6, Aa-Hh6, Ii5, [2 blank]. Cof. 1483, B1542. Bookplate of T. E. Watson and front page signed by Geo. Trumball.

The first English edition of "De Confessione Amantis" was issued by Caxton in 1483, and is one of the rarest and most sought after of his publications, only four or five being known to exist (1920, now there are 19 copies that have been located and owned by libraries). The above was printed by Berthelette, one of Caxton's Workmen, and the first who obtained the patent and the title of "King's Printer." To those who cannot obtain a Caxton, this should comment itself, being a noble production. A very rare work and complete while trimmed, still a fine edition. Some loss of leather along the spine but holding tightly.