1715 First Folio Edition of Alexander Pope’s Iliad of Homer—Complete Volume I For Sale

Homer. The Iliad of Homer. Translated by Mr. Pope. London: Printed by William Bowyer for Bernard Lintot, 1715. Volume I of six. Folio, approximately 7½ × 11 inches.

Published when Pope was still in his twenties, the translation appeared in six successive volumes between 1715 and 1720. Pope rendered Homer’s ancient Greek epic into the polished heroic couplets for which he became famous, creating a version that remained the standard English Iliad for generations.

The publication was also a landmark in literary commerce. Pope arranged for the work to be sold by subscription, and its extraordinary success gave him a degree of financial independence almost unknown among authors of his time. Samuel Johnson later praised Pope’s translation as one of the supreme achievements of English poetry.

This complete first volume contains Pope’s extensive preface and critical apparatus together with Books I–IV of the Iliad. It retains its engraved portrait of Homer and all text leaves and illustrations called for in the volume. The title page reads:

“The Iliad of Homer. Translated by Mr. Pope. London: Printed by W. Bowyer, for Bernard Lintot between the Temple-Gates, 1715.”

The volume remains in its early full-leather binding with raised spine bands and surviving gilt floral decoration. Early ownership inscriptions appear on a front blank, including one dated 1819, documenting more than two centuries of private ownership.

Edition: First folio edition; Volume I of the six-volume first edition published from 1715 to 1720.

Dimensions: Approximately 11 × 7½ inches.

Completeness: Complete, with all text leaves and required illustrative material present.

Condition: Complete but in distressed, substantially unrestored condition. Both leather-covered boards are detached. The original leather is heavily rubbed, dry, cracked, and chipped, with losses at the edges, corners, joints, and spine. The spine remains with the text block and retains its raised bands and portions of its gilt decoration, although the title label is largely lost. Preliminary leaves are loosened, creased, and edge-worn. Expected toning, foxing, occasional staining, handling wear, marginal tears, and creasing throughout. The engraved portrait, title page, text, plates, and map are present. Early ownership inscriptions appear on a front blank. An important and complete first-edition volume worthy of professional conservation.