Homer – The Odyssey – 1725-6

A rare 1725-26 set of the epic Greek poem, translated into English over five volumes, in the original bindings.

One of the oldest surviving pieces of literature, dating from the 7th or 8th century BC, Homer’s Odyssey is divided into 24 sections and follows the story of the Greek hero of Odysseus.

The poem was originally composed in Homeric Greek and performed verbally for an audience. This set uses the well-known translation by Alexander Pope (1688-1744), an acclaimed poet in his own right, who translated numerous other classical texts into English.

In five volumes, printed in London for Bernard Lintot, 1725-26. In the contemporary marbled calf, gilt borders to boards, raised bands to spine with red compartments for titling. Duodecimo size (13cm x 19cm). The set was also published in larger folio and quarto formats.  The fifth volume also include Pope’s translation of another Homer story, The Battle of the Frogs and Mice. 

Some rubbing and wear to extremities, with fading and loss to several of the title labels on the spine. Some spotting inside. Boards all holding, but fragile.  Bookplates to front pastedowns with previous owner’s signature beneath.

Early 18th-century sets of The Odyssey are difficult to find intact and complete, particularly with contemporary bindings.