[POPE, Alexander (1688-1744), translator]. HOMER (b. 8th century B.C.) The Odyssey of Homer [and] The Iliad of Homer. A New Edition. London: Printed for F. J. Du Roveray by T. Bensley, Bolt Court, and sold by J. and A. Arch, Cornhill, and E. Lloyd, Harley Street, 1805-06. 8vos. Illustrated with 50 copper engraved plates after Heath, Fittler, Westall, Singleton, Fuseli, Smirke, and others (including 2 frontispieces). 12 volumes bound in 6. Approximately 6 ? x 4?. Bound in near contemporary full diced calf, boards decoratively ruled in gilt, spines ruled, tooled, and lettered in gilt in compartments, five raised bands, gilt board edges and turn-ins, marbled edges and endleaves (some wear to spines, joints, most volumes with apparent repairs or color correction, 3 volumes with the ownership signature of ?S. C. Waddilove 1816? on the title-pages, occasional soiling, foxing in text). A fine set. THE RARE FIRST BENSLEY EDITION. Bensley is recognized as one of the greatest of English printers, a printer whose editions, along with contemporary Bulmer remain unsurpassed in elegance and quality. A scarce printing of an early illustrated edition in English.