Rendered into English blank verse by the prime minister. A handsome two-volume set of Homer's Iliad, translated into English and rendered into blank verse by Edward Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby (1799-1869).

The edition was immediately popular upon publication, sealing Stanley's reputation as a serious classical scholar, and in 1870 the Derby scholarship was posthumously established at Oxford to commemorate his commitment to the promotion of classical learning.

Stanley is better-known for his successful political career, which saw him serve as prime minister on three separate occasions, and he remains to this day the longest-serving leader of the Conservative party.

Seventh edition; 2 vols; small 8vo (17.5 x 12.5 cm); text in English; contemporary red morocco gilt, upper panels lettered in gilt within Greek-key border, giltspines in 6 compartments, all edges gilt, spines slightly faded, minor wear, a handsome set; x, [2], 339, [1]; vii, [1], 346pp.