Rare book by Pindar, ancient Greece's best lyric poet, auctions in NY

Pindar is one of Ancient Greece's best lyric poets and one of his Odes of Victory is auctioning in the US

He's been described as the best of the nine lyric poets of ancient Greece. And the good news for collectors with a passion for rare books and manuscripts is that his works are also the best preserved.

You'll have a chance to see for yourself when a rare 1930 edition of Pindar's hallowed Victory Odes appears for sale in New York on February 23.

Odes of Victory: The Nemean and Isthmian Odes was published by Shakespeare Head Press in Oxford, UK. This was number three of only seven scarce copies on vellum from a total edition of 257 copies.

Pindar's Odes of Victory: The Nemean and Isthmian Odes

The book is both introduced and translated into English verse by writer CJ Billson. Billson's work is complimented by John Farleigh's Wood-engraved illustrations.

Also of note is the book's striking morocco lettering (see above).

This 1930 copy of the book is in the publisher's full vellum gilt with silk ties. The condition report mentions "creasing and discoloration to [the book's] covers."

Despite its slight wear and tear, Pindar's exceptional legacy is undiminished. This rare book is estimated at $4,000-6,000.

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