Ted Hughes, Tales from Ovid, 1998 Limited Edition No. 51 of 300, Signed

A signed limited edition of the celebrated Ted Hughes Tales from Ovid, published by Faber and Faber in 1998 and issued in an edition of just 300 numbered copies, this example being copy number 51.

Widely regarded as one of the finest achievements of Hughes’s later career, Tales from Ovid presents twenty-four passages from Ovid’s Metamorphoses reimagined through Hughes’s distinctive poetic voice. Rather than offering a conventional translation, Hughes produced vigorous and highly individual versions of the classical texts, capturing the energy, violence, transformation and mythological imagination that run throughout the original work.

The book quickly established itself as one of the defining publications of Hughes’s final years and remains an important title within his bibliography. Its significance was recognised through numerous literary awards and critical acclaim, and it continues to be sought after by collectors of modern poetry, classical literature and signed limited editions.

This special edition was bound by Smith Settle of Otley, West Yorkshire, and issued separately from the trade edition. The volume is quarter-bound in cloth over green boards and housed in the original matching cloth slipcase. The limitation page confirms this copy as number 51 of 300 signed copies and bears Hughes’s signature in black ink.

Signed limited editions of Hughes’s major works remain highly collectable and this edition represents one of the most attractive productions associated with his later career. Combining a relatively small limitation, quality binding and a clear author signature, it is an appealing example for collectors seeking a substantial signed Hughes publication.

Bibliographic Details

• Author: Ted Hughes
• Title: Tales from Ovid: Twenty-four Passages from the Metamorphoses
• Publisher: Faber and Faber
• Year: 1998
• Edition: Limited Edition
• Limitation: No. 51 of 300 copies
• Signed by Ted Hughes
• Bound by Smith Settle, Otley, West Yorkshire
• Quarter cloth over green boards
• Original cloth slipcase

Condition Report

Fine book in a Near Fine slipcase.

The book itself remains exceptionally well preserved, with clean boards, a firm binding and bright, fresh contents throughout. The limitation page is clean and the author’s signature remains clear and bold.

The original cloth slipcase remains structurally sound and highly presentable. A minor indentation is present to the back edge of the slipcase, visible in the photographs, and prevents a Fine grading. Otherwise the slipcase remains structurally strong, clean, bright and well preserved.

An attractive collector’s copy of this desirable signed limited edition.