A very attractive illustrated 1853 edition of The Iliad, the epic ancient Greek poem attributed to Homer. One of the oldest surviving pieces of literature, dating from the 7th or 8th century BC, the work is divided into 24 sections. it follows events in the final days of the Trojan War and the central characters of Hector, Achilles and Agamemnon. This is an 1853 printing using the well-known translation by Alexander Pope, with illustrations based on the famous engravings by the English sculptor John Flaxman. Two volumes bound in one, 348 and 324 pages. With 44 illustrations to Volume I and 45 in Volume II, along with portraits of Homer and Pope. Bound with the original brown calf boards, with embossed designs, and a later brick-red morocco spine. Marbled endpapers and red-stained text block. In very good condition. A few marks and minor rubbing to boards. Neat previous owner’s name. Binding tight and square. Sized 19cm x 14cm.
