The Iliad; Volume 1

By Homer

The Iliad is one of the great epic poems of world literature. Ascribed to the legendary poet Homer, this masterpiece of Greek literature tells the story of the siege of Troy and the epic battles between the Greeks and Trojans. With its intricate plot, unforgettable characters, and timeless themes of honor, love, and revenge, The Iliad remains a classic of Western literature.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 102161209X
• ISBN13: 9781021612090
• Release Date: July 2023
• Publisher: Legare Street Press
• Length: 666 Pages
• Weight: 2.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Greek‑text reprint, not an English translation.

With many books, translations are largely negligible, with two notable exceptions: the Bible and, surprisingly, The Iliad. Each translation can offer a different insight and feel for the story. Everyone will have a favorite. I have several. There are partial translations that are worth reading, but as with any abridgment or incomplete Iliad, you will never know what is missing. Be aware of retold versions, as the purpose of the original can be twisted or lost altogether. Our story takes place in the ninth year of the ongoing war. We get an introduction to the first nine years, but they serve merely as background to this tale of pride, sorrow, and revenge. The story will also end abruptly before the war comes to a close. We have a wide conflict between the Trojans and Achaeans over a matter of pride; the gods get to take sides and many times direct spears and shields. Although the more focused conflict is the power struggle between two different types of power. That of Achilles, son of Peleus and the greatest individual warrior, and that of Agamemnon, lord of men, whose power comes from his position. We are treated to a blow-by-blow inside story as to what each is thinking and an unvarnished description of the perils of war and the search for Arête (to be more like Aries, God of War). Next, before reading the Odyssey, you will want to bridge the gap with “The War at Troy: What Homer Didn't Tell” by Quintus of Smyrna.