Author: Camoens & Mickle, William Julius [translator]
Title: The Lusiad ; Or, The Discovery Of India : An Epic Poem
Description: Published by W Suttaby ; R Crosby & Co and Scatcherd & Letterman, 1809, reprint. Original printed boards, G. xcviii+277pp+8pp publishers adverts, b/w engraved frontis & engraved vignette on the title, page edges untrimmed, spine has been replaced with hessian tape at some time, but still a nice & simple unsophisticated copy. Hardback , no dustjacket. ¶ Uncommon translation of the Homeric epic poem Os Lusíadas by the Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões [ 1524 - 1580 ]. The poem is an interpretation of the 15th century Portuguese voyages of discovery with much emphasis being placed upon the Crusading nature of the voyages & the battles with the Arab traders & rulers of the East. Whilst not historically acurate the poem has become nationally important in Portugal. It was first published in 1572. This translation was first published in 1776 & went through many editions, being the standard translation of the work for over 50 years despite Mickle's less than perfect grasp of Portuguese & his poetic licence with the source material. William Julius Mickle [ 1734 - 1788 ] scottish poet & translator who achieved fame in his own lifetime due to this translation & several of his own works.

Keywords: literature, poetry, poems, exploration, epics, homer, portugal