"OH MISERY , HORRIBLE TO HUMAN SIGHT, MOST HORRIBLE OF ALL THAT E'ER THESE EYES BEHELD!"

(POTTER, Robert, trans.) SOPHOCLES. The Tragedies of Sophocles translated. London: G.G.J. and J. Robinson, 1788. Quarto, full contemporary calf sympathetically rebacked in calf gilt, red morocco spine label, original marbled endpapers. $2800.

First edition of this translation of Sophocles into English by Robert Potter, esteemed for his translations of Greek tragedies, in contemporary calf boards.

"Even in his lifetime, and indeed through the whole of antiquity, [Sophocles] was held to be the most perfect of tragedians; one of the ancient writers calls him the 'pupil of Homer" (Peck, 1479). Translation of Sophocles' works into English began "in earnest" in the 18th century (Oxford Guide to Literature in English Translation, 360), including this one by antiquarian Robert Potter, known particularly for his translations of Greek tragedy. Includes all seven of the Sophocles plays that have survived in their complete form: Oedipus King of Thebes, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone, The Trachinian Virgins, Ajax, Philoctetes and Electra. Brueggemann, 104.

Scattered light foxing to text, heavier in two signatures only (2Z and 3A). Attractively in expertly restored and rebacked contemporary calf boards.