Homer: Poet of the "Iliad" is the perfect companion both for readers deepening their appreciation of the poem and its form and for those encountering Homer's work for the first time. Mark Edwards combines the advantages of a general introduction and a detailed commentary to make the insights of recent Homeric scholarship accessible to students and general readers as well as to classicists. Since interpretation of the epic requires an understanding of the ancient oral tradition and its conventions, Edwards offers a comprehensive analysis of the poetics of the Iliad and the Odyssey. He also discusses essential elements of Homeric society -- its religion, history, and social values -- to clarify the style and substance of the poetry. In the second half of the book, Edwards's scene-by-scene explication of ten major books of the Iliad leads the reader to a greater perception of Homer's mastery and manipulation of convention.

About the Author

Mark W. Edwards is professor of classics at Stanford University. He is the author of numerous articles on Homeric style.

Reviews
Edwards makes reading Homer exciting and meaningful. He's alert to every aspect of his subject, including the problem of translations. His book is an indispensable companion for anyone keen on drawing from this great source of wisdom and delight. Christian Science Monitor



Book Information
ISBN 9780801840166
Author Mark W. Edwards
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Johns Hopkins University Press
Publisher Johns Hopkins University Press
Weight(grams) 567g