Consisting of a 4 page typescript of the introductory text with a few handwritten corrections by Ayrton; 13 studio photographs, each being meticulously hand annotated on the reverse by Ayrton; 22 letters between Ayrton and his publisher about the publication of Archilochos; a first edition, first printing of Archilochos published posthumously in 1977. This exceptional archive is as close to the published work Archilochos as one could wish to be. Correspondence between Ayrton and his publisher discuss the formalities of the work, including royalties and the enclosed photographic prints of the illustrations. Praise for Femmes-Hombres, a 1972 work published by the Arcadia Press is also present. The success of Femmes-Hombres encouraged Douglas Cleverdon and Ayrton to work on a similar project relating to the Greek soldier poet Archilochos being the printed work here present a combination of Ayrton s illustrations and a translations of the poet s fragments. In 1974, Ayrton was contacted by David R. Godine a U.S. publisher, asking if he could use Ayrton s illustrations for his own publication of Femmes-Hombres. During their correspondence, Ayrton raises the possibility of Godine publishing a trade edition of Archilochos this archive relates directly to this exchange. Following some discussion, the 13 studio photographs, here heavily annotated by Ayrton, were presented to Godine with a typescript introduction, also here present. Whilst discussions continued, Ayrton visited the island of Thasos, home of Archilochos. He explained in a letter to Brook that he wanted to rework his illustrations and thus visited the grave of Glaukos, a friend of Archilochos s. There he experienced a solar eclipse and wanted to work up improved images as he saw them. And so, the studio photographs here present, are, with one or two exceptions, quite different to the published illustrations. Ayrton unexpectedly passed away in November 1975, and Secker and Warburg published a trade run of Archilochos. This fascinating archive displays Ayrton s work ethic and dedication to this project. Details such as these make Ayrton one of the finest artists of his time. The first edition, first printing of Archilochos is in near fine condition and the photographs, letters and the typescript are fine in both condition and content.