[FROISSART, Jean (c. 1337 – c. 1405)]. [The Chronicles] Here begynneth the first volum of sir Iohan Froyssart: of the cronycles of Englande, Fraunce, Spayne, Portyngale, Scotlande, Bretayne, Flau[n]ders: and other places adioynynge. Tra[n]slated out of frenche into our maternall englysshe tonge, by Iohan Bourchier knight lorde Berners: at the co[m]maundement of oure moost highe redouted souerayne lorde kyng Henry the. viii. kyng of Englande and of Fraunce, [and] highe defender of the christen faythe. [Imprinted at London by Richarde Pynson or Thomas Marsh, [ca. 1523 - ca. 1563].
Hardcover. Unidentified edition. Volume I only - a translation of books 1 and 2 of the "Chroniques." Folio (330 x 230mm). 269 leaves. Signatures: D-3H⁶ 3I. Lacking all before D¹ and all after 3I¹. Beginning at chapter 31 and ending at chapter 411. English text in black letter, printed in double columns. Imprint unknown as the title leaves and colophon are lacking. Running title reads: "The cronycle of Froissart." Woodcut initials; others with small guide capitals. Modern half calf. Condition: an incomplete copy in a secure binding, varying levels of staining and browning, some old marginalia, most leaves complete but one or two corner tears and frayed edges, some miniscule worming. An imperfect copy of an extremely rare book.
Note: Most likely a reprint edition of Berner's celebrated English translation of Froissart's great chronicle, undertaken at the express command of Henry VIII. Froissart, probably in Berner's translation, was a source for Shakespeare, specifically for Richard II (cf. Gillespie, Shakespeare's Books, pp.177-180). The chronicle covers the years 1325 to 1400 and was "a new sort of history, fresh and lively and related with enthusiasm—a far cry from the dull heavy chronicles of earlier years. Lord Berner's translation ... succeeds in making an English classic from a French one ..." (Cambridge Guide to Literature).
