The Iliad

In the introduction Emily Wilson explains the reasoning behind her translation: “Many modern English translations of Homer use contorted, unnatural language that seems to me quite alien to the experience of the Greek. Many versions create a reading experience that mirrors how first-year language students labor valiantly through each word, but have only a foggy notion of what it all means.” Emily Wilson's Iliad is a translation for the modern reader making it accessible to everyone, especially those who would have loved to read Homer but as she points out been put off by the archaic language of previous versions. There are also extensive notes, a glossary and an introduction well worth reading. It is also beautifully presented with 'French flaps' and 'deckled edging' giving it an antiquarian look and feel. (It isn't as some reviews have presumed just badly cut pages.)

Beautiful work, anyone interested in Homer’s masterpieces can now enjoy reading it!

The Iliad is one of those books I’ve always felt I ought to read and have always intended to read, but ultimately found the thought too intimidating. Would it be a slog? Would it bore me? Would I just not get it? Fortunately, I stumbled upon this new translation, decided I’d give it a try… And thoroughly enjoyed it! Not only is the translation itself wonderful to read, but the introduction and end notes are an invaluable resource, giving all the context required for a new reader to appreciate both the text itself and the choices made during translation. I’m now interested to read other translations and see how they differ, but I have a feeling this is the one I will be coming back to time and time again.

On my bookshelf, I probably have most translations of Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey and they are all very good, though some perhaps better than others depending on who you ask. However, these two recent translations by Emily Wilson are absolutely fabulous; beautifully written in a language that is modern and for me captures the essence of the original works. They are also highly attractive texts. Both I have enjoyed reading and both I would recommend. I hope you find my review helpful.

Loved it. Seen a few people complaining about the pages being 'uncut' - the pages are designed to look like that by the way! It is deckled edges

I look forward to reading this book, which I can only assume from the state of pages, was constructed on the back of a chariot a few thousand years ago.

Enjoyably lovely translation of a classic

I found Emily Thompson's translation of "The Iliad" to be a remarkable achievement. It breathed new life into Homer's epic tale of gods, heroes, and the Trojan War. She captured the timeless essence of the original while making it accessible to contemporary readers. Emily Thompson's translation demonstrated a deep understanding of the cultural and historical context of "The Iliad." She seamlessly integrated explanatory notes and commentary, gave invaluable insights into the significance of certain passages, the nuances of character relationships, and the symbolism woven throughout the text. This approach enhanced my appreciation and comprehension of Homer's masterpiece. Overall, Emily Thompson's translation of "The Iliad" is a tour de force that deserves a place on the bookshelves of scholars, students, and lovers of literature alike.

Arrived very fast

Good English translation into modern iambic pentameter verse. The Iliad is one of the greatest classics ever written. In depicting the Greek/Trojan war, it deals with themes of the human condition eg., anger, grief, courage, jealousy, love, passion, hate, competitiveness, parenting, violence, compassion, death, and much more. The Iliad is my all-time favourite work of classical literature. I have read several different translations of the Iliad and this one by Emily Wilson is the one I most highly recommend.

Tutto perfetto

Deus sabe quantas vezes eu tentei ler a Ilíada e não consegui passar de duas centenas de versos. Esta tradução de Emily Watson é magnífica. Mas, o que não entendo é como uma obra que só fala de guerra, mortes violentas, agressões, estupros, pode ser considerada uma grande obra de arte. Este é um desafio que minha imaginação não vence. Que espécie é esta, que se diz humana? E como é possível que uma pessoa sensível e inteligente dedique anos de sua vida a produzir uma tradução impecável de um livro tão horrífico. Será que intelectuais têm uma paixão secreta pela violência barbárica? Ou será que o problema é nossa espécie, um erro grosseiro da evolução, que quanto mais cedo se auto-extinguir, tanto melhor para o Universo e os outros seres vivos?

Pues parece que gillotinaron los cantos con los dientes. Tocó pedir reemplazo. Ojalá no tenga el mismo problema