Homer's Iliad is one of the foundational texts of Western Civilization. The timelessness of its story, of men battling fate amidst the horrors of war, still stirs the imaginations of readers year after year. What is offered here is the first translation by someone who is both an eminent scholar and published poet. Based on his thorough familiarity with Homeric language, Powell's free verse translation preserves the clarity and simplicity of the original, while recreating the original feel and sound of the oral-formulaic style. By avoiding the stylistic formality of earlier translations, and the colloquial and sometimes exaggerated effects of recent attempts, he deftly captures and conveys the most essential truths of this vital text. Helpfully included in this edition are a detailed introduction, illustrations, maps, and notes. Modern and pleasing to the ear while accurately reflecting the meaning of the Greek, Powell steers a middle path between the most well-known translations and adds something unique to the canon.

About the Author
Barry B. Powell is Halls-Bascomb Professor of Classics Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Reviews
comprehensive and authoritative ... user friendly ... This generous scholarly gift will be joined by Powell's forthcoming Odyssey (2014) ... Highly recommended. * R. Cormier, CHOICE *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199326105
Author Homer
Format Hardback
Page Count 624
Imprint Oxford University Press Inc
Publisher Oxford University Press Inc
Weight(grams) 1g
Dimensions(mm) 166mm * 241mm * 39mm