The Iliad

by Homer
The Iliad cover
Good Books rating 4.0
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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Paperback • £4.50–£16.99 Hardback • £10.99–£30.00
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  • ID: 8805
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-31
  • ISBN: 9781101153635
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1991-07-01
  • Formats: 20
  • Reviews: 3

This translation of The Iliad is renowned for its power and imagination, much like Fitzgerald's earlier work on The Odyssey. It masterfully recreates the original action as conceived by Homer, using flexible blank verse that is both lyrical and dramatic. The language is vibrant and engaging, making it accessible to modern readers while staying true to the epic's ancient roots. The Iliad is a cornerstone of Western literature, and this translation is celebrated for its ability to convey the grandeur and intensity of Homer's original work. It is a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature, epic poetry, and the timeless themes of war, honor, and humanity.

Reviews
Vishy the Knight · 2024-04-02
intense 3.50

The prose translation is praised for its accessibility, but the content can be emotionally intense and frustrating. The beauty of the language is highlighted, despite the challenging themes.

This reviewer found the prose translation of The Iliad to be a refreshing take on the classic epic, making it more accessible to modern readers. However, they also noted that the content can be quite intense and frustrating at times, particularly with the portrayal of Achilles' anger and the brutal nature of the Trojan War. Despite these challenges, the beauty of the language and the depth of the characters are highly praised. The reviewer appreciated the quiet, beautiful lines scattered throughout the text, which added a layer of emotional complexity to the narrative. Overall, they found the translation to be a successful attempt at bringing this ancient epic to a contemporary audience.

Quick quotes

    I almost wanted to scream at Homer – 'What is this, man? Why are you inflicting this on us?'

    There are some nice, quiet, beautiful lines in the text.

    The prose translation is accessible and brings the epic to life.

The Guardian · Emily Wilson · 2023-09-27
brilliant 4.50

The translation by Emily Wilson is celebrated for its clarity and emotional impact. The reviewer finds the battlefield epic to be a powerful and moving experience.

Emily Wilson's translation of The Iliad is highly regarded for its clarity and emotional depth. The reviewer was particularly impressed by how Wilson's translation brought out the raw emotion and intensity of Homer's original text. They found the battlefield scenes to be both powerful and moving, highlighting the translator's ability to capture the essence of the epic. The reviewer also noted that Wilson's work makes the ancient text feel more contemporary and accessible, without losing any of its original grandeur. Overall, they praised the translation as a bravura feat that does justice to Homer's masterpiece.

Quick quotes

    Wilson revels in the clarity and emotional clout of Homer's battlefield epic.

    The translation makes the ancient text feel more contemporary and accessible.

    A bravura feat that does justice to Homer's masterpiece.

LitCritPop · 2023-08-30
profound 4.00

Achilles' anger is seen as more justified in this retelling. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the characters and themes.

This reviewer found that Achilles' anger and sulk are more justified in the Iliad than in other retellings. They appreciated the depth and complexity of the characters, particularly Achilles, and found the themes of honor, glory, and the cost of war to be profoundly explored. The reviewer also noted that the epic's portrayal of human emotions and the consequences of actions are both timeless and relatable. They praised the way Homer's narrative reveals the grand irony at the core of the story, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read. Overall, they found the Iliad to be a powerful exploration of human nature and the complexities of war.

Quick quotes

    Achilles's anger and massive sulk feel more justified in the Iliad than they did in the retellings.

    The epic's portrayal of human emotions and the consequences of actions are both timeless and relatable.

    A powerful exploration of human nature and the complexities of war.

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