Tales from Ovid, Ted Hughes — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)

£90.00

Tales from Ovid, Ted Hughes — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)

Name: Tales from Ovid, Ted Hughes — 1st Edition (Uncorrected Proof)
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6172
Price: 90.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Faber and Faber, 1997

Formatting: 8vo, pp. [xii], 264.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This softcover proof copy is preserved in remarkable condition, with the pale blue publisher's wraps remaining bright, clean, and entirely free of creases, housed beneath a clear protective wrapper. The spine is square, tight, and uncreased, indicating the volume has seen little to no reading wear. The text block is immaculate, with the pages remaining crisp, bright, and free of any foxing, thumbing, or internal markings. The binding is remarkably firm, and the page edges show only the absolute faintest hint of natural shelf-dusting. An exceptionally sharp and sturdy example of a fragile pre-publication format.

Catalogue Note: This is a scarce pre-publication Uncorrected Proof of Ted Hughes's acclaimed translation of Ovid's Metamorphoses. Issued by Faber and Faber prior to the official publication date of 5 May 1997, this copy features the publisher's plain pale blue wrappers denoting its preliminary status.

Proof copies of this landmark collection, which famously went on to win the Whitbread Book of the Year Award, are particularly desirable for collectors of Hughes's late work. They capture the text in its transitional stage before widespread commercial distribution. The preliminary leaves feature the publisher's standard printed legal disclaimer for uncorrected proofs.

As a softbound pre-publication item intended primarily for internal editorial and reviewer use, it is uncommonly well-preserved on the open market, marking a superb addition to any comprehensive modern poetry collection.

In Tales from Ovid, Ted Hughes breathes visceral new life into twenty-four passages from the Roman poet's epic Metamorphoses. Rather than providing a strict, literal translation, Hughes reimagines the ancient myths of creation, passion, and violent transformation with his signature elemental power and muscular free verse. From the tragic fall of Phaethon to the intoxicating obsession of Pygmalion, these enduring narratives are rendered with a stark, modern immediacy that underscores the brutal and beautiful forces of nature. Published near the end of his life, this collection stands as one of Hughes's crowning achievements, cementing his legacy as a master of both myth and the English language.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Ted Hughes, Ovid

Book Publisher: Faber and Faber

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Antiquarian

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 264

Book Publication Year: 1997

Book Publication Date: May 5, 1997

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.