CHAPMAN, George. [Homer].
The Whole Works of Homer; Prince of Poetts In his Iliads, and Odysses. Translated according to the Greeke by Geo. Chapman.
London: [Richard Field and William Jaggard] for Nathaniel Butter , [c.1616].
$30,000.00
In Stock
Item Number: RRB-151341
+$500
Rare first edition, first issue of the first complete English translation of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey
First edition, first issue of the first complete English translation of Homer’s works. Folio, bound in full contemporary English calf with elaborate gilt floral tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised richly gilt bands, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt scrolling to the front and rear panels, rebacked, boards restored preserving most of upper and lower covers, marbled endpapers, engraved general title page by William Hole with engraved portrait of Chapman on verso, engraved memorial to Henry, Prince of Wales, “HOMERS” in running titles, with Odyssey’s blanks 2R8 and 2I8 (Odyssey bound before Iliad, without Iliad’s quire π and final blank 2G8, extended lower margins in Odyssey's A6 and Iliad’s errata leaf (“Faults escaped”) at A6. In very good condition. An exceptional example of this rarity.
In 1598, George Chapman began publishing instalments of his Iliad translation. Later, “The Complete Odysseys were published in two parts between 1614 and 1615, while The Whole Works of Homer were published in c.1616 and c.1634. Both works show how Chapman did not provide literal English versions of his originals; rather, he personalized and appropriated his epic source.” (Oxford Encyclopedia of British Literature). Chapman’s patron – Henry, Prince of Wales – died of typhoid fever age 18 in 1616 and thus the completed edition here features an engraved memorial with epitaph in verse. STC 13624.
The Whole Works of Homer; Prince of Poetts In his Iliads, and Odysses. Translated according to the Greeke by Geo. Chapman.
$30,000.00
In Stock
