Homer.’

Hymnus in Cererem, nunc primum editus a Davide Ruhnkenio.

      Leiden: Apud Samuel. et Joann. Luchtmans. , 1781 - a few faint light spots, pp. xvi, 84 [i.e. 98], 8vo., contemp. half calf with sponge-marbled boards, smooth backstrip divided by thick gilt fillets inside gilt dashed lines, red morocco label in second compartment, slightly rubbed, joints just cracking at ends, a touch of wear to two corners, very good The first complete edition of the Homeric ‘Hymn to Demeter’; the Greek text is followed by a Latin translation by J.H. Voss. The poem, an important reference for the Eleusinian Mysteries, was discovered in a medieval manuscript in 1777, and edited by Ruhnkenius for publication in 1780. A printing error omitted 21 lines, so that edition was withdrawn (vide Richardson) and replaced by this 1781 printing. Most often seen is the reissue later in the same year, with a new title page (dated 1782) and a reprint of two long critical letters by Ruhnkenius added at the end. (Richardson, ‘Homeric Hymn to Demeter’ 1974 p. 86; this ed. not in Schweiger) [Attributes: Hard Cover]