Odes and Epodes of Horace (Accompanied by reproductions of pages from earlier editions)

Horace. Odes and Epodes of Horace (Accompanied by reproductions of pages from earlier editions). New York: Limited Editions Club, 1961. Limited edition. 1/1500. Odes (octavo): (xxiv), 394pp, [1]. Selections (folio): 7pp, unpaginated, [1]. Brown paper covered cardboard slipcase, green label with gilt borders and lettering mounted on spine, housing 2 volumes. Slipcase with black ribbon lift. Both volumes in tan buckram over marbled paper covered boards, green labels with gilt lettering on spines. “Selections” with original glassine wrapper. “Selections” with speckled paper edges.

Limited edition, #87 of 1500 copies. The Odes (Latin: Carmina) are a collection in four books of Latin lyric poems by Horace. The Horatian ode format and style has been emulated since by other poets. Books 1 to 3 were published in 23 BC. According to the journal Quadrant, they were “unparalleled by any collection of lyric poetry produced before or after in Latin literature”. A fourth book, consisting of 15 poems, was published in 13 BC. The Odes were developed as a conscious imitation of the short lyric poetry of Greek originals – Pindar, Sappho and Alcaeus are some of Horace’s models. The Odes cover a range of subjects – Love, Friendship, Wine, Religion, Morality, Patriotism; poems of eulogy addressed to Augustus and his relations; and verses written on a miscellany of subjects and incidents, including the uncertainty of life, the cultivation of tranquility and contentment, and the observance of moderation or the “golden mean.

Slipcase with light shelf wear, water stains to cover above smaller volume. Slipcase front cover with small glue stain. Slipcase with half inch cracking along top edge. “Odes”, with some staining and scratches to covers. Light foxing to paper edges. “Selections”, glassine cover with small tears to cover, torn on spine. Slipcase in very good-, binding of “odes” in very good-, binding of “selections in very good”, interior of “Odes” in very good, interior of “Selections” in very good+ to near fine condition overall.

vg- to near fine. Hardcover. (45302) $75