Large paper copy of the second edition of this translation of Homer's Iliad by Vincenzo Monti (1754-1828). An "Esperimento di traduzione della Iliade de Omero" appeared in 1807 - translated by Monti, Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827), and Melchiorre Cesarotti (1730-1808) - which apparently was a success. Monti published his own translation, based on other translations of the Illiad - in 1810. It became an immediate success, but despite this popularity, Monti was not fully satisfied with the first edition printed in Brescia by Bettoni due to the presence of numerous printing errors and immediately began preparing the second edition to be published in Milan by the Stamperia Reale in 1812. The present second edition contains Monti's final translation, which went through many subsequent editions - well into the 21st century. Monti was an Italian poet and the main representative of Italian Neoclassicism. He studied at the seminar of Faenza and at the University of Ferrara. This translation is seen as Monti's most important work. Because Monti didn't master the Greek language, he was forced to ask the help of Ennio Quirino Visconti, famous man of letters and archeologist, and of the Greek Andrea Mustoxidi. He was also forced to have recourse to earlier Latin and Italian translations. Despite this, his translation was a success and his version constitutes the most representative text for Italian Neoclassicism. It also remains a fundamental translation for the knowledge of Homer's Illiad in Italy.
With the bookplate of M. le Marquis de Fortia on the front paste-down of both volumes. The binding shows very slight signs of wear, the upper outer corner of the leaves in volume 1 are very slightly creased, minor browning in the outer margins. Otherwise in very good condition. Graesse III 338; WorldCat 1403495593, 1403636468, 559679333, 985581495, 719395078, 797488409, 165454374, 878394934 (21 copies).