There have been many burlesque translations of Homer. Some scholars even assert that Homer burlesqued his own Iliad in "The Battle Between the Frogs and the Mice," which Pope translated and included in Homer's works. The burlesque translation by Bridges was considered to be the best ever accomplished, and was extremely popular at the end of the eighteenth century; but, because of its vulgarity in many places, was not printed for a long period.

George A. Smith approached Gebbie and Co. to induce the publishers to print this revised and modified edition. At first, Mr. Gebbie did not feel that a burlesque translation could be done while keeping within the bounds of decency. He finally approved of this undertaking, after viewing many modifications. He approved of the translation if it was done in good taste, so as not to offend the gentle reader. He believed this book could be decently written, without sacrificing an atom of the flavor and humor of the original work.