EDDISON, E. R.

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The Worm Ouroboros. A Romance. First edition, inscribed by the author in the month of publication on the front pastedown, "Frank Dicksee, from E.R.E., 12th May 1922". Sir Frank Dicksee (1853-1928) was a painter who also explored heroic and historical romance in his own art, being influenced by the pre-Raphaelites and opposing the trend towards modern art that emerged near the end of his career.Written in 17th-century English, Eddison's debut novel describes a protracted war in an imagined medieval realm, incorporating influences from Norse sagas and Renaissance poems, quoting Shakespeare's celebrated "Sonnet 18" in its entirety. The work is a precursor to Eddison's Zimiamvian trilogy.The Worm Ouroboros was eagerly read by C. S. Lewis, who before finishing the book wrote a letter to Eddison inviting him to meet with the Inklings. J. R. R. Tolkien later praised Eddison as "the greatest and most convincing writer of 'invented worlds' that I have read" (Letters 199). The work continues to be regarded as among the finest works of heroic fantasy ever written.

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