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This is an exceptional copy of the handsome Limited Editions Club publication of the celebrated translation of Homer s Odyssey by T. E. Lawrence "of Arabia". This edition is illustrated with wood engravings by Barry Moser, with a Preface by Lawrence s official biographer, Jeremy M. Wilson, and signed by both. The edition was produced in a numbered edition of 2,000 copies. This copy hand numbered "457" is a time capsule. It is not only still housed in the original glassine dust jacket and publisher s slipcase, but also still protected within the original Limited Editions Club shipping box, accompanied by the publisher s original promotional circular from July 1981.Condition is exceptionally fine, as would be expected. The volume would be flawless if not for the minor defect of light spotting, confined to the page edges a consequence of nearly half a century spent in the original shipping box. The binding and slipcase are pristine. The fragile glassine dust jacket is inevitably toned and a little brittle, but complete, with only a tiny closed tear at the spine head.In 1932, T. E. Lawrence published a translation of Homer s Odyssey. Lawrence s Odyssey (Illustrated by celebrated American typographer and type designer, Bruce Rogers) was considered a masterpiece, a strikingly beautiful book and a highly regarded translation. In 2014, Lawrence's official biographer, Jeremy Wilson, wrote "Lawrence's translation has been continuously in print for more than 80 years. By that yardstick it is second only to Seven Pillars of Wisdom among his literary achievements."The two works Lawrence s translation of Homer and the tale of his own personal First World War odyssey, Seven Pillars of Wisdom - can be considered closely linked by more than longstanding regard. "Although Lawrence translated the Odyssey long after he completed Seven Pillars, Homer's vision plays a major role in the character of Lawrence as we see him in his book, and influences the view that Lawrence as author takes of his characters. Homer was a lifelong study with Lawrence and he emerges as one of his finest translators." (Tabachnick, T. E. Lawrence, p.52) That Lawrence's Arabs are so acutely Homeric in their characteristics, codes, conduct, and fates - as was Lawrence himself during his sojourn in Arabia has been widely observed and defies coincidence.Of Lawrence s translation, it has been observed that ".when we set his translation against others, two qualities. give it a special distinction. The first is that he enjoys the story for its own sake and spares nothing to keep it clear and lively, to make the details illuminate and strengthen the whole effect. The second is that he sees the whole Homeric world with a clear vision as Homer himself saw it." (Introduction by Sir Maurice Bowra to the 1955 edition of Lawrence s Odyssey). Seller Inventory # 007287
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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Odyssey, copy #457 of two thousand, ...
Publisher: The Limited Editions Club, New York
Publication Date: 1981
Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: Limited, numbered, and signed edition.
