The Iliad

Rating:
Summary: Great, even for the average reader
Review: Firstly, I have not read this particular translation, so I'm just giving my general opinion on the book. Secondly, I don't know much about Greek Mythology or History, and this is the first piece of Greek Literature I read. So I'll say, for those in the same position, don't hesitate to read it. The language is difficult at first, but you get used to it after a few pages. And since it was written as a poem, phrases and expressions are repeated throughout, which makes it easier.

It is an epic story about the final tenth year of the Trojan War in which the legendary warrior Achillies is denied the maiden Briseis by king Agammemnon. He refuses to join in battle and remains in his tent nursing his anger. Eventually he goes to face the Trojan warrior Hector on the battlefield when his pain over the tragic loss of his comrades overcomes his anger. It is very different to anything I've read before, the action is constant, and there are no short exchanges of dialogue. The descriptions are on such a grand-scale. Emotions, whether anger, sadness or pain (there's plenty of that!) are always extreme. You get a sort of high reading about such legendary characters in a work 3000 years old, especially because of the archaic quality of the language. Watching Zeus and Hera argue is hilarious! It can be very moving in some parts. Read it with a reference book or a 'Companion to The Iliad' or something, it would be very difficult to understand otherwise. My edition is in prose, and from what I've read of other reviews, I suppose I missed out for not reading it in verse. Reading this book also helps to understand allusions made to Greek Literature in other classics. So, that's my un-expert opinion on the book. If I was more familiar with Greek Literature or History, I would perhaps appreciate it more. But for anyone, it remains an enjoyable and enlightening read.

Rating:
Summary: A side by side comparison
Review: The Everyman's Library editions of the Iliad and Odyssey are far more poetic, powerful, and grand than the common modern insipid prose versions. (I confess that I am puzzled by the popularity of such prose versions.) The writings of Homer were a centerpiece of Greek culture for a thousand years, and were so powerful that, 700 years later, Alexander the Great coveted a reputation as a modern Achilles! A translation MUST attempt to do justice to so great and lasting a work. After purchasing a highly praised modern prose translation I was deeply disappointed. So I put SEVERAL translations side by side and read from all of them. The Everyman's Library editions were excellent. Thorough reading confirmed this opinion. I am at this moment clicking through a search of all of the Everyman's Library books in hopes of finding other equally good translations. The bindings of the cloth hardcover books are exceptionally well built. I would recommend buying the hardcover editions; these books you WILL be re-reading. (Note: If you enjoy much popular writing then this review isn't meant for you.)

Rating:
Summary: Anger Be Now Your Song Immortal One...
Review: The Iliad, as with other Greek poetry, was poetry intended to be recited orally as opposed to being read. Fitzgerald's backgroung in poetry brings out the lyrical passion of the Iliad so prized by the Greeks as no other translation has done. Other translations, although faithful, are hampered by archaic language and idioms that make little sense today. I strongly recommend this translation more than any other.