Dating to the ninth century BC, Homer’s timeless poem still vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amidst devastation and destruction, as it moves inexorably to the wrenching, tragic conclusion of the Trojan War. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox observes in his superb Introduction that although the violence of the Iliad is grim and relentless, it coexists with both images of civilized life and a poignant yearning for peace. Combining the skills of a poet and scholar, Robert Fagles brings the energy of contemporary language to this enduring heroic epic. He maintains the drive and metric music of Homer’s poetry, and evokes the impact and nuance of the Iliad’s mesmerizing repeated phrases in what Peter Levi calls “an astonishing performance.”
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"Besides being one of the longest poems ever composed, the Iliad is also one of the most important. It makes the reader wonder what it means to be human, and also makes us reconsider what a hero truly is. Furthermore, besides the well-known cast of characters, the Iliad boasts some of the most beautiful language I've ever come across. All you have to do is read the chapter about the creation of Achilles' shield and you'll know what I'm talking about. Maybe our world leaders could learn something from reading this poem..."
— Connor (5 out of 5 stars)
" I bought this so I could listen along while physically reading the book. To my dismay, the audiobook randomly skips large sections of the actual translation, sometimes a whole book, opting instead for a short & incomplete summary of the events it passes over (this occurs every time the female narrator speaks). Unfortunately, you aren't getting to hear the whole story if you listen to this audiobook. "
— Bec, 1/29/2017" Gives a highly insightful and clear vision of the epic roman empire and the tragic story of the battle of Troy and the fight for the beautiful Helen of Troy. The story's characters are imaginative and beautifully described from the villainous Agamemnon and Menelaus to the heroic Hector and Achilles. Homers story truly is the definition of "epic battle". A must read for all fans of Classical Studies, Greek and Roman mythology and history. "
— Kate, 2/19/2014" GREAT translation. my only disappointment is that I thought for some reason that the story included the death of Achilles. I must watch too many movies... "
— RK, 2/17/2014" very interesting book. it helped me stay awake. this had a lot of action and i like books that actually do things and make the book feel better then it was. "
— Adam, 2/14/2014" Ajax, Diomedes, Hector, Odysseus, oh my! Loving it. "
— William, 2/14/2014" I like this book a lot. I thought the translation of the book was sort of difficult and the context was a little difficult as well. I like the idea the author Homer tells about the battles and events between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. The book mainly takes place during the Trojan war and consist of a lot of action throughout the Novel. I liked this book a lot I thought it was interesting and a good read, I recommend it to everyone to read. "
— Malik, 2/13/2014" I began reading this in translation as a child with an interest in Greco-Roman mythology. I made it to the catalogue of ships before realizing that this was not what I was looking for. Later readings in both English translation and excerpts in Homeric Greek have shown me that some books are worth the struggle. "
— William, 2/8/2014" Take a class on Greek Mythology first. "
— Smilinjack, 2/7/2014" Really enjoyed this, a great way of getting your head around the story and all its characters. This could be used as a great learning resource. "
— Hannah, 2/6/2014" War, greeks, betrayal, family drama. The whole shabang. "
— Christine, 1/28/2014Homer (9th or 8th century BC) is the presumed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two greatest epic poems of ancient Greece. Virtually nothing is known about his life. Tradition has it that he was blind. Most scholars believe he composed the Iliad and the Odyssey by relying on oral traditions. Their value lies chiefly in the poetry itself, moving from sublime passages about the gods and heroic exploits to passages expressing deep human emotion.
Sir Derek Jacobi has had a long and distinguished career. He has toured in Becket and Uncle Vanya, and he received a Tony Award for his performance as Benedick in the RSC’s production of Much Ado about Nothing. His work in television includes the lead roles in Cadfael and I, Claudius, and his film credits include Henry V, Gosford Park, and Hamlet. His narrations have won him eleven Audiofile Earphones Awards.
Maria Tucci is an Italian born actress. She has had roles on Broadway for over twenty years and was nominated for a 1967 Tony Award as Best Supporting or Featured Actress (Dramatic) for The Rose Tattoo. In films, she is best known for her role in To Die For. She has appeared in numerous television series, including Law & Order. As a professional audiobook narrator, she has shared with other cast members in the Audie Award nomination in 2010 for Selected Shorts: A Touch of Magic and in 2007 for Selected Shorts: Vol. 19 Timeless Classics. She is married to the eminent American editor Robert Gottlieb.
Sir Derek Jacobi has had a long and distinguished career. He has toured in Becket and Uncle Vanya, and he received a Tony Award for his performance as Benedick in the RSC’s production of Much Ado about Nothing. His work in television includes the lead roles in Cadfael and I, Claudius, and his film credits include Henry V, Gosford Park, and Hamlet. His narrations have won him eleven Audiofile Earphones Awards.