1902 The Boy's Iliad

Description

First Edition, Illustrated, Uncommon

The first edition of this uncommon work in the publisher's original cloth binding, with pictorial gilt to the front board. All edges gilt.

Previous owner's ink inscription to the front paste down and front free end paper: 'Iolo's Bedroom' and 'Iolo Aneurin Williams. Xmas 1902'. This volume possibly once belonged to the writer, journalist and politician Captain Iolo Aneurin Williams (1890-1962), whose father was the Liberal Party politician Aneurin Williams (1859-1924). Written in pencil to the front free end paper are the words 'Read to Edward, March & April 1930', potentially meaning this book was read to Iolo's son, Edward Williams (1921-2013), who composed the pioneering music to the BBC's Life On Earth documentary.

Illustrated with a frontispiece and seven plates by George Percy Jacomb-Hood (1857-1929), a painter, etcher, and illustrator who was a founding member for both the 'New English Art Club' and the 'Society of Portrait Painters'. Collated, complete.

A collection of myths, legends, and fables connected with the Trojan War, rewritten for younger readers. Contents include 'Origin of the Myrmidons', 'How Peleus Captures Thetis', 'Achilles Supports Kalchas', 'Paris Challengeth Menelaos', and 'Pandaros and Aineias'.

The author Walter Copland Perry (1814-1911) published several works involved with history and classical literature, such as 'The Franks, From Their First Appearance in History to the Death of King Pepin', and 'Sicily in Fable, History, Art, and Song'.