An attractive first edition (1964) of Homer’s Odyssey in the celebrated Modern Greek translation by Argyris Eftaliotis (1849–1923), published in Athens by the Organization for the Publication of Educational Books (ΟΕΔΒ – OEDB).
Bound in its original laminated illustrated boards with linen spine, this edition became one of the most influential Greek educational publications of the twentieth century and introduced generations of students to Homer’s epic through one of the finest translations into the modern Greek vernacular.
Bibliographical Details
Title: Ομήρου Οδύσσεια – Homer’s Odyssey
Translator: Argyris Eftaliotis (Kleanthis Michaelides, 1849–1923)
Completion of final rhapsodies: Nikolaos Poriotis (1870–1945)
Publisher: Organization for the Publication of Educational Books (ΟΕΔΒ)
Place of publication: Athens
Year: 1964
Edition: First Edition
Language: Greek
Pages: 352
Dimensions: 20 cm × 15 cm
Binding: Original laminated illustrated boards with original linen spine
Original revenue stamp at the end of the volume
About the Translation
Argyris Eftaliotis, the literary pseudonym of Kleanthis Michaelides, was one of the leading figures of the Demotic Greek movement and among the finest stylists of modern Greek prose and poetry.
His translation of Homer’s Odyssey occupied him for many years and was undertaken during the difficult years of the First World War. Seeking both literary perfection and personal refuge during a period of declining health, Eftaliotis devoted himself to rendering Homer’s epic into living Greek while preserving its poetic character.
Although he completed the vast majority of the work, he did not live to translate the final three rhapsodies. These were subsequently completed by the distinguished writer and translator Nikolaos Poriotis, whose contribution allowed the translation to appear in its complete form.
Despite this circumstance, Eftaliotis’ Odyssey remains widely regarded as one of the greatest translations of Homer into Modern Greek. The renowned linguist and champion of the Demotic language Yannis Psycharis famously praised Eftaliotis’ achievement, recognizing him as one of the very few writers capable of conveying the true spirit of the vernacular language.
Historical Importance
Published by the Greek state’s Organization for the Publication of Educational Books, this first 1964 edition became the official secondary-school text for the study of Homer’s Odyssey and remained familiar to generations of Greek students.
Beyond its educational role, it represents an important milestone in the history of the Modern Greek language, illustrating the triumph of the Demotic movement and the effort to bring one of the foundational works of Western literature to a broad readership through a literary yet accessible translation.
Today, first editions in their original binding are increasingly appreciated by collectors of Greek literature, educational history, Homeric studies, and twentieth-century Greek publishing.
Condition
Good (+) vintage condition.
Complete: 352 pages
Original laminated boards with linen spine
Original revenue stamp at the end
General age-related wear consistent with use
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the description and condition assessment.
A highly collectible first edition of one of the finest Modern Greek translations of Homer’s Odyssey, combining literary importance, educational history, and attractive original design.
