The Iliad of Homer

The Iliad of Homer. Pope, Alexander (Trans.) London: Bernard Lintot.

Alexander Pope’s celebrated English translation of Homer’s Iliad, one of the most influential literary translations of the eighteenth century. The poem recounts a crucial episode of the Trojan War, centering on Achilles’ wrath, the conflict with Agamemnon, the death of Patroclus, and the duel with Hector.

This set contains Volumes II–VI of six, lacking Volume I, and includes two notable folding plates in Volume II and V: The Siege of Troy and The Shield of Achilles. The edition is especially notable for its early date, period calf bindings, and association with Bernard Lintot, Pope’s original publisher for the Iliad translation.

12mo.(3.785" x 6.25") 5 of 6 volumes, lacking Vol.I. Full brown mottled calf with gilt rule framing boards. Spines with four raised bands, gilt lettering to gilt framed brown leather to second compartment except to Vol.V with a gilt "5" in the second compartment. All edges lightly speckled red. Edgewear, corners bumped and rubbed, most through to boards. Most head and foot of spines chipped with small loss, label to Vol.II chipped at edges, not affecting text. Armorial bookplate of John Hunter, Esq. Hermitage to each front pastedown. Vol.II starts with a folded plate of The Siege of Troy directly after the title page and followed by an Essay on Homer's Battels, then the Fifth Book of The Iliad starts. Towards the middle of Book XVIII is a second folded plate of The Shield of Achilles with explanation. At rear of books III, IV, V, and VI are listings of "Books printed for B. Lintot". There appears to be have been a repair to the upper jpoint of Vol.II, all others tender, but holding. Boards with rubbing, some scuffs, but overall, an attractive set of books from the early 18th century.