The Odyssey. By Homer. Translated by Alexander Pope. Signed by Book Designer J. Van Krimpen. Signed Limited Edition. Limited Editions Club. Holland, 1931.

Classical literature is built upon the contributions of Homer, the Greek 8th century BC poet who is credited with the Iliad and the Odyssey. These epic poems are astoundingly old–roughly 800 years older than the New Testament, the Aeneid, the Buddhacharita; roughly 2,000 years older than Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales; and over 2,200 years older than Shakespeare. Most of what we know about Homer comes from ancient legend. In fact, many scholars debate his existence as a single person, but rather a mythologized series of oral poets who helped to bring the ancient tradition into text during several formative decades in early Greek history. Both the Iliad and the Odyssey are equally revered. Both tell parts of the story of the Trojan War, with the Odyssey picking up at the end, and following the cunning and wise Odysseus as he returns home by sea–only to face yet more trials with mythical beings sometimes obstructing, other times aiding, his journey. The poem defines Greek mythology and immortalizes its characters. It remains one of the best works ever written. This 1931 edition was published by the Limited Editions Club (LEC). It is an example of their fine press work–an expertly designed volume by J. Van Krimpen. It contains the acclaimed Alexander Pope translation and an introduction by Carl Van Doren.

This signed limited edition is signed by Van Krimpen on the colophon. It is one of only 1,500 copies in the signed limited run. It is in very good condition. In the original blue cloth, very good with only fading to spine. Text block about-fine, only minor soiling to bottom edge, catalogue numbering to copyright page, former owner’s bookplate to front pastedown, and former owner’s signature on the colophon. Top edge gilt. Deckled fore-edge. In the original yellow slipcase, very good with minor chipping, soiling, rubbing, and closed tears.

A scarce LEC edition of The Odyssey.