[.ca] The Iliad (ISBN 9626340622)

One of the great works of western literature...:
Many mark "The Iliad" as the first major work of western literature. Others will give works such as "The Epic of Gilgamesh" that honour, nonetheless "The Iliad" is truly a great poem. In fact, both "The Iliad", and "The Odyssey" were tremendously influential (some even liken their prominence to that of the Bible) to the ancient Greek society that would provide much of the framework for the modern western world. Few other works can make such claims. "The Iliad" is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the origins of western thought. One word of advice, however, is that if you are unfamiliar with the epic style, you may wish to begin with "The Odyssey", despite the fact that, at least in plot, it is the successor to "The Iliad". "The Odyssey" is a far easier read, and found by many to be more exciting than "The Iliad" (which can, at times, be somewhat tedious). If you are left thirsting for more, tackle "The Iliad".

Homer's epic poem on the rage of mighty Achilles:
I long ago determined that the world of those interested in the Classical Literature of the Ancient Greeks that when it comes to Homer's epic poems there are those who prefer the "Iliad" and those who prefer the "Odyssey," and that this division is as significant as having to pick between the Beatles and Elvis in contemporary culture. My choice on the more ancient question is for the story of the rage of Achilles over the journal of Odysseus. From Achilles's fateful confrontation with Agamemnon over Briseis of the lovely arms to the magnificently emotional ending where King Priam comes to beg for the body of his slain son, Hector, from the man who killed him, I find this story has far greater resonance than the tale of Odysseus. The epic story also seems to me to be more classically Greek, with the great hero who acts out of anger, comes to regret his folly, and seeks to make amends too late to save themselves from a tragic fate. Achilles is similar to Hercules in this regard, and although they are both strictly considered demi-gods, the Achaean hero ultimately seems more human. Additionally, Achilles's stature is enhanced by his opposition to the noble Hector, breaker of horses; acknowledging the better warrior does not take away from recognizing the greater hero. After all, it is the figure of Hector who begins the idealized notion of the worthy and noble opponent, which has continued throughout the course of Western civilization and included such historical figures as Robert E. Lee and Irwin Rommell. Add to this the fact that all the gods and goddesses of Olympus are actively involved in the proceedings rather than Athena trying to save Odysseus from Poseideon's wrath, and I am convinced the "Iliad" is the more worthy book for inclusion into most classes dealing with Classical Mythology or the Ancient Greeks. This is where students will get the best understanding of the Homeric concept of the Olympian gods, which would then be challenged by the tragic poets of Athens several centuries later. Ironically, given the poem's beginning, the true dramatic climx of Homer's "Iliad" comes when King Priam goes to weep over the bloody hands of Achilles to ransom back Hector's body. That scene allow justifies compelling students to read the entire work.

The real Iliad, made for kids:
Seeing the recent movie Troy made me think about the kinds of stories I grew up with, and the kinds of stories my niece will grow up with. She likes MTV and television, and she likes to read, so she'll get a lot of stories. But I wonder if she'll get the classics? This is the Iliad adapted for children. I would say the age range is as young as 8 years old up to 12 or 13 years of age. There are only really 40 pages, and a dozen of those pages are full color and nicely done pages showing in what might be a modern stylizing of ancient Greek drawings the action of the story. This is very basic story. There is a prologue that sets the stage, that talks about the situation with Paris choosing the fairest of the goddesses and the stealing away of Helen. There is then a chapter on the quarrel, set after nine years of fighting. The second chapter has the duel between Paris and Menelaus, with Paris being saved miraculously. The idea that Achilles might leave the battle comes into it, but then Patroclus is also involved, who gets killed in the battle by Hector, who is then killed later in another battle by Achilles. The story ends with the death and funeral of Hector, except to say that fighting resumed after the truce. The Trojan Horse is not in this story, but instead is found in Odyssey. Because this is a book for children, there is a two page glossary of names at the back of the book, divided by giving the Greek side, the Trojan side, and the gods and goddesses involved. This is a very different story from the recent film, and given that it is a simplified version of the story for intended for children, it is a very good job of telling the Iliad. There is a companion volume also adapted by Diana Stewart for the Odyssey. The artwork in this book was done by Charles Shaw, and is quite colorful and interesting. A good book for kids.

Iliad on CD - very good:
very good rendition. pace of reading is good and passionate without being melodramatic. very entertaining for long commutes or car trips. however, if you haven't read the book or are not somewhat familiar with the story already, it can be difficult at times to keep all the characters straight. however, there is a brief synoptic insert that comes with the CD and will help to read quickly before listening.

Homer's The Iliad:
This translation was as good as any. I like that the book came across as a story, which is very important when reading. Some translations have the numbers in the margin telling you what line you are on. Though those numbers are used when reading a poem, and though the Iliad is a poem, I think the numbers would soon overwhelm or distract me and reveal what a long poem the Iliad really is. This translation, however, reveals the Iliad as an exciting and historical story. I usually don't get into these types of epics, but this translation made it easy for me to understand and become involved with the story. And if I did get stuck, the introduction provided a very nice explanation of what was happening. This translation worked well for me and I would definitely recommend it to others.