The Iliad (Translated into prose by Samuel Butler with an Introduction by H. L. Havell) - Softcover

Homer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1420953907 ISBN 13: 9781420953909

Publisher: Digireads.com, 2016

Synopsis

Due to a lack of biographical evidence regarding the identity of Homer it has been suggested that the two great works attributed to him, the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey” may, in fact, be the work of multiple authors passed down through a long oral tradition. While scholarship on the subject will likely never definitely prove one way or the other, it is now generally accepted that these two great epic poems are the work of a single Greek author, Homer, who lived sometime during the 9th century BC. Set during a few weeks in the final year of the Trojan War, “The Iliad” is a classical epic poem concerning a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. While encompassing just a brief period of the Trojan War the poem relates events leading up to and following the few weeks that encompass the setting of the poem giving the reader a comprehensive perspective of the Trojan War. Part romanticized historical narrative, part mythological epic, the “Iliad” is widely recognized as one of the most important works from classical antiquity. Along with the “Odyssey,” it would establish Homer as one the most influential authors to ever have lived. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the prose translation of Samuel Butler, and includes an introduction by H. L. Havell.

About this title

Review:

"Mitchell's translation is a brilliant accomplishment. It captures the fierce energy, rhythms, and powerful narrative of Homer's Greek in vivid and compelling English." --Elaine Pagels, author of "The Gnostic Gospels"

"A sturdy, muscular, and nuanced translation that will surely bring many new readers to this great work."--John Banville, author of "The Sea"

"Stephen Mitchell's magnificent new translation of the "Iliad" reminds us that there is always a new and different way to read and interpret the great classics, and that they need to be reinvigorated from generation to generation, just as we need to be reminded that they are, however venerated, above all "stories" exciting, full of life and great characters, in short great entertainment, not just great monuments of culture or the Western canon. Mr. Mitchell has accomplished this difficult feat wonderfully well, and produced a book which is a joy to read and an "Iliad" for this generation." --Michael Korda, D. Litt., author of "Hero, Ike, "and "Ulysses S. Grant"

"Mitchell's wonderful new version of the" Iliad "is a worthy addition to his list of distinguished renditions of the classics." --Peter Matthiessen

"Stephen Mitchell has done a marvelous thing here: he has given fresh energy and poetic force to a work that perennially repays our attention. Without the" Iliad" the West would be a vastly poorer place; Homer's achievement speaks to every successive generation with its unflinching understanding of the essential tragic nature of life. Mitchell's translation is a grand accomplishment."

-- Jon Meacham, author of "American Lion"

"A strange, almost forgotten feeling overtook me as I first dipped into this new translation. I felt compelled to recite aloud! The poetry rocks and has a macho cast to it, like rap music. It's overtly virile stuff, propelled from the time when music, language, information, and politics were not yet distinguished." --Jaron Lanier, author of "You Are Not a Gadget"

"Mitchell's five-beat line is a startlingly strong alternative to other translators' attempts to capture the inimitably mellifluous flow of Homer's Greek. Mitchell fits a meter to the poem, but also the poem to the meter, paring away words that could not work in English, aiming always to preserve the uncanny aesthetic distance and moral neutrality of the original at its full, thrilling, and horrifying depth. Read three pages, "any "three pages, and you'll realize that, no, you are not yet done with Homer." --Jack Miles, author of "God: A Biography"

"A daring new version of the epic poem." --"The Wall Street Journal"

"Mitchell's "Iliad" is slimmer and leaner than anything we have seen before.... His strong five-beat rhythm is arguably the best yet in English." --"The New Yorker"

A daring new version of the epic poem. "The Wall Street Journal""

Mitchell s "Iliad" is slimmer and leaner than anything we have seen before.... His strong five-beat rhythm is arguably the best yet in English. "The New Yorker""

The verse is well-forged and clean-limbed, and achieves a powerful simplicity. Mitchell has re-energised the Iliad for a new generation. The Sunday Telegraph (London)"

A daring new version of the epic poem. The Wall Street Journal"

Mitchell s Iliad is slimmer and leaner than anything we have seen before.... His strong five-beat rhythm is arguably the best yet in English. The New Yorker"

"The verse is well-forged and clean-limbed, and achieves a powerful simplicity. Mitchell has re-energised the Iliad for a new generation." --The Sunday Telegraph (London)

"A daring new version of the epic poem." --The Wall Street Journal

"Mitchell's Iliad is slimmer and leaner than anything we have seen before.... His strong five-beat rhythm is arguably the best yet in English." --The New Yorker

Book Description:

A stunning new translation of the classic tale of the fall of Troy from one of the world's finest translators. If you enjoyed THE SONG OF ACHILLES, discover the original and the best...

About this edition

• Publisher: Digireads.com
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1420953907
• ISBN 13: 9781420953909
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288