The Iliad of Homer.

£1,250 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

Alexander Pope's monumental translation of Homer's Iliad (comprising books one to four), first published in 1715. Samuel Johnson referred to Pope's translation of The Iliad as the greatest ever produced in English or any other language. '... Pope is the greatest English poet who has yet essayed Homeric translation on any considerable scale. It is also true that his best qualities, fire and vigour, are those beyond all others essential to the translator of Homer, the absence of which can be compensated by no other virtue, and whose presence covers a multitude of sins' (David Garnett, Prospectus). 6 vols; 12mo (17.5 x 11 cm), translated by Alexander Pope; engraved plates, some folding, with ownership signature of 'C. Lamb 1762' to front endpapers of all volumes except vol. IV where it is at the rear, age toning (as usual), occasional small spot or mark, else very good plus; contemporary full calf, spine in 6 compartments with red morocco lettering piece to second, lettered in gilt, with the bookplates of the Library Brocket Hall and Lord W.Kerr G.C.B., though not present in vol. IV to front pastedowns, offsetting to edges of endpapers, lightly handled, spines a little faded (as expected) with occasional small mark or scuff, else very good; 231pp, 239pp, 216pp, 228pp, 248pp, 174pp. ESTC T55423; Griffith, 127.

• Binding: Hardcover

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