The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes Value Guide

The Iliad of Homer Literally Translated With Explanatory ...
The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes
Estimated Value
$25 – $50
Period
1858
Origin
United States
Materials
Paper, ink, possibly leather or cloth binding
Category
Rare books

This 1858 edition of The Iliad represents a significant mid-19th-century American printing of Homer's epic Trojan War narrative. Translated by renowned classical scholar Theodore Alois Buckley, this volume was a cornerstone of the Harper & Brothers catalog during their rise as a dominant force in U.S. publishing.

What Is The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes Worth?

The typical price range for The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes is $25 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

  • The physical condition of the spine and binding, as these mid-1800s volumes are prone to fraying and cracking.
  • Presence of foxing or water damage on the internal pages, which can significantly lower the $25-$50 price range.
  • Provenance or historical ownership marks, such as 19th-century bookplates or signatures from notable scholars.
  • Completeness of the text, ensuring no pages of the explanatory notes or the frontispiece are missing.

How to Identify The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes?

  • Verify the 1858 publication date on the title page alongside the Harper & Brothers New York imprint.
  • Confirm the translator is identified as Theodore Alois Buckley, often noted for his work with Bohn's Classical Library.
  • Check for the original cloth or leather binding characteristic of mid-19th-century Harper & Brothers academic editions.
  • Look for the specific inclusion of 'Explanatory Notes' as mentioned in the full title of this literal translation.

History of The Iliad of Homer, Literally Translated, With Explanatory Notes

Homer's Iliad is one of the greatest works of ancient Greek literature, detailing the final weeks of the Trojan War. This specific edition was translated by Theodore Alois Buckley, a prominent classical scholar of the 19th century, known for his prolific translations of classical texts for Bohn's Classical Library. Harper & Brothers, established in 1817, was a leading American publishing firm, instrumental in disseminating classic literature and new works throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries.

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