- Title: Handy Literal Translations: The Works of Horace
- Author: C. Smart, A. M.; Revised by Theodore Alois Buckley
- Publisher: Arthur Hinds & Co.
- Estimated year of printing: 1890
Notes:
No copyright
Inscription: Rob ???? Reid, 1890
Stamp: Toronto, Can. Vannevar & Co., 440 Yonge Street
This book is mostly self-explanatory, it is a very literal translation of the works of Horace, seemingly intended for use in schools. Horace lived from 65 to 8 BC and was the leading lyric poet during the era of Augustus. His most notable works are his Odes, a collection in four books of poetry which established a format and style which would go on to be emulated by other poets.
The works were translated by Christopher Smart (1722 – 1771), who was a poet in his own right, who attended and later become at fellow at Pembroke College, a constituent college of the University of Cambridge. Theodore Alois Buckley (1825 – 1856) revised the translations. Buckley is known primarily for his translations of classical works.
Arthur Hinds & Co. is an interesting publishing company. It was founded in 1886, primarily as a bookstore in New York City. In 1894, a clerk at the company by the name of Gilbert Noble became a partner in the company, and it was renamed Hinds & Noble. In 1917, Noble bought out his partner, Hinds, and entered into a partnership with Charles Barnes, at which point the company was renamed Barnes & Noble — the name it retains to this day.
Since this book carries the original company name, which was only used between 1886 and 1894, that supports the printing date of 1890, which is suggested by the inscription.
This book also includes many interesting advertisements for other educational books by the publisher. Most interesting are books for Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Etiquette, as well as books to help teachers keep records and pre-written questions and answers to be used in class.
Historical context:
When this book was published in 1890, Benjamin Harrison was President. This is the year that the National American Woman Suffrage Association is founded, Idaho and Wyoming become the 43rd and 44th states, and the Wounded Knee Massacre occurs.