Penguin Classics Homer The Iliad

Homer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140444440 ISBN 13: 9780140444445

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 1987

An ancient Greek epic which underpins the whole of western literature, Homer's The Iliad is a timeless evocation of the struggle to retain a sense of honour and virtue amidst the horrors of war. This Penguin Classics edition is translated with an introduction by Martin Hammond.

The Iliad is the greatest literary achievement of Greek civilization. The story centres on the critical events in four days of the tenth and final year of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans. It describes how the quarrel of Agamemnon and Achilleus sets in motion a tragic sequence of events, which leads to Achilleus' killing of Hektor and determines the ultimate fate of Troy. But Homer's theme is not simply war or heroism. With compassion and humanity he presents a universal and tragic view of the world, of human life lived under the shadow of suffering and death, set against a vast and largely unpitying divine background. The Iliad is the first of the world's great tragedies.

Martin Hammond's acclaimed translation is accompanied by a full introduction and a comprehensive index.

Seven Greek cities claim the honour of being the birthplace of Homer (c. 8th-7th century BC), the poet to whom the composition of the Iliad and Odyssey are attributed. The Iliad is the oldest surviving work of Western literature, but the identity - or even the existence - of Homer himself is a complete mystery, with no reliable biographical information having survived.

If you enjoyed the Iliad, you might like Homer's Odyssey, also available in Penguin Classics.

'Martin Hammond's modern prose version is the best and most accurate there has ever been'
Peter Levi, Independent

'A fine Iliad for our times'
Philip Howard, The Times

Review:

Much the best modern prose translation of the Iliad (Robin Lane Fox Financial Times)

This new prose translation of the Iliad is outstandingly good . . . to read it is to be gripped by it (Classical Review)

Superbly direct and eloquent . . . by its sensitivity, fluency, and flexibility, it will win a permanent place on the shelves of Homer-lovers (Martin Fagg Times Educational Supplement)

Martin Hammond's new version is the best and most accurate there has ever been, as smooth as cream but as clear as water . . . Hammond's Iliad deserves to become a standard book (Peter Levi Independent)

Surely the best Iliad in quite a few decades (Greece & Rome Journal)

Here is a fine Iliad for our times, to be read with great pleasure (Philip Howard The Times)

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...