The Iliad (Penguin Classics)

The Iliad is certainly a piece of literature that has stood the test of time - and with good reason. War has constantly been a feature of human society and the Iliad tells of all its horrors like few other pieces of literature. But the epic is more than just a war story - it's a story of human limits and mankind's (especially in the West) constant struggle to deal with the realities they create. I suppose one could respond that this epic is more involved with human potential but it is very hard to read either the character of Hector or Achilles as anything but a tragic character - as someone who paid dearly for his role as "hero" of Troy or Greece. This is not a great piece of literature because it projects heroic ideals that should inspire us, though this aspect of the epic has played its own important role, rather, it is a great piece of literature because just as the epic appears to throw those ideals up for lauding, it problematizes them - it illustrates their tragic consequences. The heroic individual who can single-handedly make a difference and the ethic of competition the epic oozes have played important roles in shaping Western history, but the Iliad is great because it draws out the ugly consequences these ideals can produce and the price one pays for holding them too close. Fagles' translation - for all I can tell - is an excellent one. I know no Greek (Sanskrit was my "classical" language) but the power of Fagles' rendering is palpable throughout (especially in the masterful first book). I have read many other translations since the review was originally posted, including Pope, Lattimore, Fitzgerald, Lombardo, Rees and Rieu. After reading them all, Fagles' style still holds up, but I also very much enjoyed Lombardo's more modern colloquial style. Rees was a bit of a pleasant surprise to me as well and I would certainly recommend it. As for Lattimore, it is a helpful tool if you're trying to translate the Greek on your own (which I am) as it is hyper accurate in style, but a price is paid in such an approach as I find his translation too awkward to read for pleasure (again, this is just my subjective opinion). Pope's version is clearly the most accomplished in terms of poetry, but is not always easy to follow given the demands of rhyming verse. As for Fitzgerald, it's clear he has a sense for the poetry of the epic and there is much power in his translation - I liked it very much. That said - if I had to choose all over again, I would probably choose either Fagles or Lombardo. In terms of materials to add to one's understanding of this great and complex epic - try Simone Weil's essay, "The Iliad, or the Poem of Force", Shay's book, "Achilles in Vietnam" and, more basic, Griffin's, "Homer".

By the time I was the in the 5th grade, I was familiar with the stories of the Iliad and Odyssey because my parents bought me the wonderful "Giant Golden Book" on these Greek tales. That was - and remains still - my favorite children's book. Then in college, all freshmen were required to read the originals in translation. At that time, I preferred "The Odyssey" because I was simultaneously reading J.R.R Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings". Both are grand tales of a hero's quest filled with adventure and sorcery and fantasy light and dark. Recently, I learned about Stephen Mitchell's translation of the Iliad and purchased his book. His Introduction is fascinating. But somehow his translation did not reach down deep into my soul. Other reviews on Amazon made reference to the Robert Fagles translation. Based on their comments, I took a chance and purchased the Fagles audiobook. After all - if any story was first intended to be heard, not read, "The Iliad" is that story. Now - everything changed. Amazing, sad, profound, achingly beautiful...this is exactly how I imagined the tale was spun thousands of years ago. Sir Derek Jacoby reproduces the rhythm and cadence of an ancient Bard. I can fully relate to this great story of heroism, blind rage, cowardice, friendship, exhaustion, joy, and bitterness in war. I have never been in battle...but I can picture it. Homer describes each death with compassion and in an individual way. All the emotions - of the women worrying about their men and the men concerned about measuring up - are here. In every respect, this is a poem of humanity, not an epic of gods and wizards. Today, there is absolutely no doubt which book - the Iliad or the Odyssey - I prefer. With this translation I finally have located the (almost) perfect audiobook. The story is rich in its depiction of war - defending honor or defending home. On Amazon, people talk about what someone would take to an isolated desert island. This audiobook is definitely going to be with me.

For nearly three thousand years the poems of Homer have thrilled listeners of every culture and epoch. Allusions to The Iliad and The Odyssey are so pervasive in our western culture that they are almost required reading for anyone who wishes to study western literature. Briefly, The Iliad is the story of the ten year long Trojan War, which climaxes with the destruction of the city of Troy by the Greeks through the deception of the Trojan Horse. Filled with tales of the heroes and gods of ancient Greece, Homer's poems are noted for the masterful use of wonderfully illustrative similes and metaphors, which become all the more wonderful with the understanding that Homer is believed to have been blind! Translations of Homer which try to adhere to the original poetic structure and be as literal as possible are immensely difficult to read by all but the most focused scholars. Other translations have completley deviated from any resemblance of poetry in an effort to be more accessible to the average reader. Here Mr. Fagles has achieved a translation which is not only easy to read and understand, but which retains the poetic lyricism of the original. Homer's works should be on the bookshelf of anyone who is interested in the classics, and with this translation you don't have to be a University Professor to appreciate them.

Fagles does the best job of balancing all of the different elements in Epic Poetry. As always, there are going to be sacrifices and adjustments in the language, but Fagles keep it to a minimum while balancing the semantic content/poetic form. The introduction written by Knox is a great introduction for any newcomer. It’s key to really digesting the poem and its significance in Greek society and beyond.

The book was delivered 11 days after the order. The book was received in good condition.The book is worth reading.

Great Quality. Great Book

Tanto el paquete como el libro está dañado. La primera página del libro está rota y la portada está rota. No podemos devolver el libro ya que tiene que hacer la lectura para la universidad.

just a beautiful book, beautifully written

For a reader coming to Homer for the first time the introduction is not only insightful but an essential guide. It reveals the innermost beauty of this magnificent work. Highly recommended.