The Twelve Words of the Gipsy, Kostes Palamas — 1st Edition

£175.00

The Twelve Words of the Gipsy, Kostes Palamas — 1st Edition

Name: The Twelve Words of the Gipsy, Kostes Palamas — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 5313
Price: 175.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: London, Privately Printed, 1974

Formatting: Large 8vo, pp. 194.

Condition Report: Good. The original printed card wrappers remain structurally sound and the binding is entirely secure, though the front panel exhibits prominent damp-staining extending inwards from the spine and lower margins, along with mild creasing to the extremities. The spine itself is uncreased and the lettering remains bold. Internally, the text block is bright and highly legible, featuring a distinct diagonal crease traversing the front free endpaper and faint, isolated age-toning to the untrimmed page edges, yet remaining thoroughly free from foxing or heavy internal wear.

Catalogue Note: First edition thus, translated by Theodore Ph. Stephanides and George C. Katsimbalis. This remarkable presentation copy bears a warm, handwritten inscription on the front free endpaper: "For Eric Glasgow, with the authors' best wishes, from Theodore Stephanides, London, 25-2-1974."

Crucially, the volume is accompanied by a rich vein of original correspondence between the translator and the recipient. Laid within is a substantive two-page Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by Stephanides, dated 18 May 1977, discussing their ongoing translations of Palamas, specifically A Hundred Voices and Asalefte Zoe, and noting the publication of the Memphis State University Press bilingual edition of the present work. Alongside this is a typed carbon-copy response from Dr. Glasgow (dated 22 May 1977) praising Stephanides's contributions to The Greek Gazette and requesting a copy of the sequel, complete with the original postmarked mailing envelope.

Locating a copy with such an extensive and illuminating archival connection between a celebrated translator (Stephanides being a noted polymath and close associate of the Durrell family) and a respected classical academic is exceptionally scarce.

Considered the magnum opus of Kostes Palamas, one of Greece's most towering modern literary figures, The Twelve Words of the Gipsy is a sweeping, philosophical epic poem. Blending national history, folklore, and profound existential inquiry, Palamas utilizes the figure of the free-spirited Romani to explore themes of art, love, and the enduring Hellenic spirit. This foundational text of modern Greek literature is rendered here with scholarly passion and poetic sensitivity by Stephanides and Katsimbalis, bringing a seminal masterpiece to the English-speaking world.

Book Condition: Good

Book Authors: Kostes Palamas, Theodore Ph. Stephanides, George C. Katsimbalis

Book Publisher: Privately Printed

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Fiction

Genre: Poetry

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: Yes

Book Pages: 194

Book Publication Year: 1974

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Softcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: London, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

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Condition	Description
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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.