BEFORE MIDDLE-EARTH

Eddison, E. R. (1882-1945)

Egil's Saga: Done into English out of the Icelandic [Norse Mythology] [Inklings]

Cambridge: University Press, 1930. First Edition, First Printing. Hardcover with Dust Jacket.
THE TRANSLATION THAT HELPED SHAPE THE LITERARY WORLD OF TOLKIEN AND THE INKLINGS.
The second English translation of 'Egil's Saga,' executed by E.R. Eddison with philological precision and the 'heroic' prose style for which he was celebrated. This edition includes his substantial introduction, extensive notes, and an influential essay on the principles of translation. Complete with two folding maps bound at the rear.

KEY FEATURES
+++ Content: A foundational Norse text translated by a primary influence on the modern high-fantasy genre. 
+++ Maps: Two large folding maps: 'Iceland in the Saga-Time' and 'The West Coast of Norway.' 
+++ Binding: Publisher's red cloth with sharp gilt spine titles; top edge stained brown;  
+++ Imprint: Cambridge University Press, 1930. 
+++ Specs: 8.75 inches tall. xxxiv, [1], 346, [1] pages. 
+++ Inklings Connection: Eddison was an occasional member of the Inklings and his work was held in the highest esteem by J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis.

CONDITION: Near Fine / Near Fine -- An exceptionally well-preserved copy. The bindings are tight and square; the red cloth is vibrant with no fading. Internally fresh and clean with no ownership marks or blemishes. The original price-clipped dust jacket is bright and clean with only minor shelf handling and a small blemish at the top of the spine. The folding maps are crisp and without tears or misfolds.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE -- A CLASSIC ICELANDIC SAGA REIMAGINED BY THE WRITER WHO INSPIRED MODERN EPIC FANTASY.
 Eddison’s translation was a reactionary and brilliant effort to replace the 1893 W.C. Green version. By utilizing his mastery of Old Norse and his own unique literary philosophy, Eddison sought to preserve the 'ruggedness' and 'Northernness' of the original saga. This work bridged the gap between academic philology and the emerging 'epic fantasy' tradition, profoundly impacting the mythopoeic architecture of the 20th century.

SUBJECTS: E. R. Eddison, Icelandic Sagas, Inklings, Norse Mythology, Cambridge University Press, Translation Studies, Epic Fantasy, Mythology, First Edition, Scholarly Edition

Item #21199

Price: $725.00