The Iliad (Collector's Edition) (Laminated Hardback with Jacket)

By Homer

Book Overview

Collector's Edition Laminated Hardback with Jacket

The Iliad by is an ancient Greek epic poem that narrates the events of the Trojan War, focusing on the conflict between the Greek hero Achilles and King Agamemnon. The story begins with Agamemnon's refusal to return Chryseis, a captive woman, to her father, a priest of Apollo, leading to a plague inflicted by the god upon the Greek camp. To appease Apollo, Agamemnon agrees to release Chryseis but demands Achilles' war prize, Briseis, as compensation. This act incites Achilles' wrath, causing him to withdraw from battle, which significantly impacts the Greek forces. The story explores themes of honor, wrath, and divine intervention, weaving the struggles of heroes and gods into a dramatic tale of war and humanity.

The Iliad by Homer is a cornerstone of ancient Greek literature and has profoundly influenced Western culture. Composed in the 8th century BC, it is one of the oldest extant works of Western literature, offering a vivid portrayal of the Trojan War and the heroism of Achilles. The epic has been a subject of scholarly study for centuries, with debates surrounding its historicity and the existence of Troy. Archaeological discoveries, such as those by Heinrich Schliemann at Hisarlik, have reignited discussions about the poem's basis in historical events. Beyond its historical implications, The Iliad has significantly shaped literary traditions, inspiring countless works and adaptations across various art forms.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 199866743X
• ISBN13: 9781998667437
• Release Date: December 2024
• Publisher: Revive Classics
• Length: 308 Pages
• Weight: 1.37 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The ground is dark with blood.

With many books, translations are negligible, with two obvious exceptions: one is the Bible, and surprisingly, the other is The Iliad. Each translation can give a different insight and feel to 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. Our story takes place in the ninth year of the ongoing war. We get some introduction to the first nine years, but they are just a background to this tale of pride, sorrow, and revenge. The story will also end abruptly before the end of the war. 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.