The Iliad in Classics Without All the Class

Oct 31, 2022 Beth (bibliobeth) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I feel like I should caption 2022 with “the year I re-discovered my love for classics.” This year I’ve had an incredible time re-reading old favourites and finally making time for those that previously intimidated me. Step forward, The Iliad. ⁣
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The Iliad is the oldest known work of Western literature dated to the 9th century B.C. and is an epic, extensive and intricate poem drawing on Greek mythology and exploring the final years of the infamous Trojan War. ⁣
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This is the sort of work that I can I feel like I should caption 2022 with “the year I re-discovered my love for classics.” This year I’ve had an incredible time re-reading old favourites and finally making time for those that previously intimidated me. Step forward, The Iliad. ⁣
⁣
The Iliad is the oldest known work of Western literature dated to the 9th century B.C. and is an epic, extensive and intricate poem drawing on Greek mythology and exploring the final years of the infamous Trojan War. ⁣
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This is the sort of work that I can imagine would be so rewarding to study in detail, particularly with the various translations that have popped up. After doing a small amount of research myself, I’ve learned that the true identity of Homer is very much shrouded in mystery and that’s definitely something I’d appreciate learning more about. I’d also be fascinated to read the first translation of The Iliad into English by a woman - Caroline Alexander. ⁣
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As the majority of the text focuses on the war itself, there are constant gruesomely violent battles which are described in rather colourful detail. Homer doesn’t shy away from telling us exactly WHERE that spear is going and what effect it’s going to have on the body once it gets there! Weak stomachs, be warned. ⁣
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The sheer volume of battles is slightly relentless and on a few occasions, a bit tiresome (I almost felt immune to the horrific nature of the injuries/deaths!) but if you’re not a fan of warfare, there are other moments that I enjoyed more. This includes the interactions between gods and the mortals, the rivalry between certain factions of gods and the way in which mortal life was presented, that is as something which may not be entirely within our control. ⁣
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I’m really delighted I fought off my qualms and buddy read The Iliad with a fantastic group of bookstagrammers. It was an unforgettable reading experience and it has certainly made me more keen to explore more ancient texts in the future. ⁣
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Four solid stars 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 ⁣
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Nov 26, 2019 Heidi rated it really liked it

I read “The Iliad” to prepare for Stephen reading it (in an abridged version) this fall. I read it in both the Fagles translation (in hard copy) and Caroline Alexander’s translation (in Kindle), alternating depending on which was more convenient at the moment. I definitely thought the Fagles translation flowed a bit better, but I enjoyed being able to switch it up between the two when one felt overly tedious.

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