The Iliad : With Meynell’s Instructions On Opening The Book

The First UK printing published by The Nonesuch Press, London in 1931. This is number '88' of 925 copies for distribution in the UK (There were also 525 copies for sale in the U.S.A.). The BOOK is in Very Good++ or better condition. Original dark tan morocco, backstrip in six compartments with raised bands and gilt lettered direct, and with a two-line gilt border framing the front and rear covers, marbled end-paper, top edge gilt, others untrimmed. Some light rubbing to the lower board edges. The covers are only very slightly spotted and discoloured. A very tiny rub to the lower front board. A copy of Francis Meynell's uncommon notice 'On first looking into Pope's Homer' with instructions on how to open the book, is loosely inserted. Free from inscriptions and erasures. A beautiful production thoroughly worthy of the text, printed in Haarlem by Enschede with parallel text of facing pages employing Jan van Krimpen's Greek type and monotype Cochin. Partly printed in red and black, with text decorations and ornaments by Rudolf Koch. The Nonesuch Press specialised in limited edition and private press. They were founded by Francis Meynell, his second wife Vera Mendel and their friend David Garnett. Their aspiration was for their publications to be aligned with the same aesthetic standards as the private press movement. They were unusual as they used a small Albion press to design the books, but had them printed by commercial printers. Lacking the slipcase but the book is protected in a removable Mylar archival cover. Collectible. More images available on request. Ashton Rare Books welcomes direct contact.