Ossian; James Macpherson — Temora, an Ancient Epic Poem

London, T. Bicket and P. A. de Hondt, 1763. First edition. Leather. An uncommon first edition copy of James Macpherson's poetry, a purported series of poems written by a third century Scottish bard. The first edition of this uncommon work.Title page is provided in facsimile. A selection of poems by James Macpherson, which he claims were epic poems written by an ancient Scottish figure named Ossian. Macpherson claimed to have discovered these poems by a third-century bard, translating them into a modern English. However their authenticity were immediately challenged, though the poems achieved success internationally, with admirers including Napoleon, Thomas Jefferson, and Diderot.This volume includes 'Temora', 'Cathlin of Clutha', 'Sulmalla of Lumon', 'Cath-Loda', 'Oina-Morul', and 'Colna-Dona&apos.Macpherson was a literary collector, politician, and writer, who today is best remembered for his Ossian cycle of epic poetry. Bookplate of William Lindsay, Greenock, to the front paste down. In a full calf binding. Externally, worn, with loss of leather to the joints, a little heavier to the tail of the rear joint. Light bumping to the extremities. Rubbing to the boards and spine. A small amount of loss to the head and tail of the spine. Some light marks to the boards. Hinges are a little strained but remain firm, with aged taped. Bookplate and bookseller's label to the front paste down. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are age-toned with some spots, and a tide mark to the text block. Closed tear to the head of the dedication leaf. Good . Ill.: None. Good .