Five pieces of runic poetry translated from the Islandic language

[Percy, Thomas]

Published by R. and J. Dodsley, in Pall-mall, London, 1763

About this Item

First edition, 8vo, pp. [16], 99, [1]; engraved vignette title page; original blue paper-covered boards, cream shelfback, manuscript title on spine; boards soiled, spine worn, joints starting, light pencil annotations in the preface only; good and sound, or better. This work by Thomas Percy (1729-1811) represents one of his earliest endeavors in translation and his first published translation of Icelandic poetry. Percy, the bishop of Dromore, had among his neighbors the distinguished Anglo-Saxon scholar, Edward Lye, under whose influence he fell. And "deeply impressed by Macpherson's studies in Gaelic and Erse poetry," Percy published this small volume, in which he gratefully acknowledges the assistance of his friend and neighbor, Lye. This title, together with his well-known Reliques of Ancient English Poetry, did much to encourage and popularize the study of the literature of the ancient inhabitants of northern Europe.

Seller Inventory # 66954

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Five pieces of runic poetry translated from the Islandic language
• Publisher: R. and J. Dodsley, in Pall-mall, London
• Publication Date: 1763
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Seller catalogs:
  • English Literature
  • Poetry