FIRST AMERICAN EDITION 1973 stated on copyright page, published by Clarkson N. Potter, hardcover with dj. Illustrated by Hans Erni. Publisher"s statement: "In this new translation of the Canticles or Song of Songs Robert Graves uses the traditional form of the Hebrew pastoral drama performed at wedding festivals. He has found this preserved in the Codex Sinaiticus, the earliest surviving Greek manuscript: it assigns parts to bride, bridegroom, bridesmaids and bridesmen. Professor Graves uses all his mastery of language and rhythm to bring a new depth of emotion to this version of the sole Hebrew book in sacred use which concentrated wholly on the theme of love between man and woman--this being regarded by the Council of Jabne as the most important of all religious themes because it prompts the recognition of a deeper love between God and man. In his Introduction, he comments on the origin of the Canticles and on their links with other religions, myths and poems of the Ancient Near East." Rovert Graves is also the author of "The Greek Myths" and "King Jesus"