Homer's The Iliad
Author: Homer, translated by Emily Wilson
Published by: Fitzcarraldo Press
Pages: 761
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★★
Published by: Fitzcarraldo Press
Pages: 761
Format: Hardback
My Rating: ★★★★★
The Iliad roars with the clamour of arms, the bellowing boasts of victors, the fury and grief of loss, and the anguished cries of dying men. It sings, too, of the sublime magnitude of the world – the fierce beauty of nature and the gods’ grand schemes beyond the ken of mortals. In Wilson’s hands, this thrilling, magical, and often horrifying tale now gallops at a pace befitting its legendary battle scenes, in crisp but resonant language that evokes the poem’s deep pathos and reveals palpably real, even “complicated,” characters – both human and divine. Wilson’s Iliad now gives us a complete Homer for our generation.
The Iliad roars with the clamour of arms, the bellowing boasts of victors, the fury and grief of loss, and the anguished cries of dying men. It sings, too, of the sublime magnitude of the world – the fierce beauty of nature and the gods’ grand schemes beyond the ken of mortals. In Wilson’s hands, this thrilling, magical, and often horrifying tale now gallops at a pace befitting its legendary battle scenes, in crisp but resonant language that evokes the poem’s deep pathos and reveals palpably real, even “complicated,” characters – both human and divine. Wilson’s Iliad now gives us a complete Homer for our generation.
My thoughts:
Homer’s The Iliad has long been considered one of the greatest epics of all time, yet for many, it can feel intimidating or inaccessible. Emily Wilson’s recent translation changes that perception entirely. Her work breathes new life into the ancient story, making it resonate in a way that feels both modern and timeless.
From the very first line, Wilson’s translation captures the raw emotion and unrelenting energy of this war-torn tale. The story of Achilles, Hector, and the gods meddling in human affairs unfolds with a pace and clarity that pulls the reader into its drama. Wilson’s language is crisp, elegant, and strikingly clear, which makes the epic’s themes of honour, rage, and mortality even more powerful.
One of the standout features of this translation is its accessibility. Without sacrificing the depth or complexity of Homer’s original, Wilson manages to make the story readable for those of us who may not have a background in classics or Greek mythology. Her use of plain language does not diminish the grandeur of the text but instead enhances its ability to speak to a modern audience.
Attending an event with Wilson in winter 2023 made me appreciate her approach even more. Hearing her read from the text was a reminder of how deeply she understands and respects the material. That respect shines through in the translation itself. She balances fidelity to the original with a keen awareness of how language can invite readers into the world of the Trojan War.
For those who, like me, have a fascination with Greek mythology but no formal study in it, this translation is a revelation. It bridges the gap between Homer’s ancient world and our own, providing a rich, moving, and utterly human experience. Wilson’s Iliad is not just a translation; it is an invitation to connect with a cornerstone of literary history.
Whether you are reading The Iliad for the first time or revisiting it through this translation, you’ll find yourself swept up in its beauty and tragedy. This is the version I’ve been waiting for, and it was worth every moment.
Overall reaction:
Homer’s The Iliad has long been considered one of the greatest epics of all time, yet for many, it can feel intimidating or inaccessible. Emily Wilson’s recent translation changes that perception entirely. Her work breathes new life into the ancient story, making it resonate in a way that feels both modern and timeless.
From the very first line, Wilson’s translation captures the raw emotion and unrelenting energy of this war-torn tale. The story of Achilles, Hector, and the gods meddling in human affairs unfolds with a pace and clarity that pulls the reader into its drama. Wilson’s language is crisp, elegant, and strikingly clear, which makes the epic’s themes of honour, rage, and mortality even more powerful.
One of the standout features of this translation is its accessibility. Without sacrificing the depth or complexity of Homer’s original, Wilson manages to make the story readable for those of us who may not have a background in classics or Greek mythology. Her use of plain language does not diminish the grandeur of the text but instead enhances its ability to speak to a modern audience.
Attending an event with Wilson in winter 2023 made me appreciate her approach even more. Hearing her read from the text was a reminder of how deeply she understands and respects the material. That respect shines through in the translation itself. She balances fidelity to the original with a keen awareness of how language can invite readers into the world of the Trojan War.
For those who, like me, have a fascination with Greek mythology but no formal study in it, this translation is a revelation. It bridges the gap between Homer’s ancient world and our own, providing a rich, moving, and utterly human experience. Wilson’s Iliad is not just a translation; it is an invitation to connect with a cornerstone of literary history.
Whether you are reading The Iliad for the first time or revisiting it through this translation, you’ll find yourself swept up in its beauty and tragedy. This is the version I’ve been waiting for, and it was worth every moment.
Overall reaction: