ODES

First edition. Half title, engraved title-page vignette by C. Grignion after Richard Bentley. 21 pages.

Correct readings of "Ilissus" on page 8 and "Swarm," on page 16. 

Rebound in Half brown Morocco with marble inlays. Titled in gilt on spine.

Bookplate of previous owner on front pastedown. Some age related browning and some offsetting but overall good condition.

This is the first book printed by Horace Walpole at his Strawberry Hill Press in 1757, in an edition of 2000 copies.

The two Pindaric odes, written in 1754 and 1757, have the opening lines "Awake, Aeolian lyre, awake" and "Ruin seize thee, ruthless King.' Both are untitled, but were subsequently called "On the Progress of Poesy" and "The Bard".

How Gray's two Pindaric Odes ("The Progress of Poesy" and "The Bard") ended up in Walpole's hands is best described in his own words: "I found him [Gray] in town last week: he had brought his two odes to be printed. I snatched them out of Dodsley's hands, and they are to be the first fruits of my press.". 

Printed and published at Strawberry Hill for R. and J. Dodsley London