The Iliad Paperback – 1 February 2016

Note: Review is for Penguin Classics version. Translation by E.V. RieuThis year I've decided to dive deep into the mythology of the ancient world: a form of literature that changed our art and history as we know it. Next up are the critical editions of Indian Itihasic epics. But I decided to tackle the relatively short epics of the Greek and Sumerian worlds.And boy was I blown away. For modern readers who enjoy stuff like Harry Potter or other fantasy/mythology stuff, this may honestly be a tough story to get into. Ancient mythology often digress, very frequently, to subplots that may not be related to the core story. For example, when a soldier is killed, Iliad goes on a short tangent to explain their backstory.At first this seems nonsensical, especially for us modern readers who are used to sharp, to the point stories. And who live in a time of people with short attention spans. But it is totally the opposite: Greek mythology is an intricate, dense epic with vast arrays of characters, mortal and immortal, who are connected in complicated alliances or enemities. A relationship two characters may have can have serious repurcussions later in the story. A minor character whom you thought minor may not be what they seem.Even we ignore the last context, it feels EPIC to give importantance to minor insignificant detail since these fill the story with meaning, making you believe that this truly is happening right in front of you. The book gives a detailed catalog of all the alliances and contingents: something that modern writers will refrain from, without knowing this might add a juicy flavor to their stories.Having read my fair share of fantasy epics, I know how one walks a thin line when writing in a detailed fashion, with many digressions. This is an issue I seemed to have with writers like Sanderson or Jordan. What makes Iliad different is that it details only on the things that are important. It doesn't waste time describing architecture or places but instead words are spent on beautiful descriptions of lineages, armors, shields, and alliances.Homer's epics are also famous for their use of simile. Like calling someone "Swift footed" or "Godlike" when mentioning someone. Or giving examples like comparing the veracity of a hero's attack to that of a lion attacking a herd of sheep. Homer ensures he can use simile any where he can. It makes the experience enrichening, powerfully imaginative. I still wonder why modern writers don't try to be this poetic?The intricate ways all the subplots simply collide over each other gives a lot of entertainment and even a philosophical insight into human nature. It is no surprise that Greek philosophy often takes Homer's epics as examples to ponder over philosophies like ethics, aesthetics, politics, etc. which have essentially single-handedly impacted whole of western thought.When looked through a modern lens, there obviously are many ethical issues. All characters, good or bad, approve of slavery (including Achilles). But this is obviously an incorrect approach. The story needs to be enjoyed taking into consideration the time it was written in, when things like slavery were totally acceptable in many ancient societies.It still feels breathtaking to see the representation of many moral, philosophical issues that remain relevant today. War and Revenge are Iliads primary themes and the insurmountable tragedy they cause may remain forever relevant. The absolute poetic prose brings you closer to the characters.Eg: there is this particular scene where Andromache begs her husband Hector to come back alive from the war, beging that since she lost all of her family, Hector was a husband, father, brother, sister and mother to her, all of it. Despite the ugly fact that it was his family that sacked and destroyed her home, I was still moved by this astonishingly poetic statement, which also helped me care for Hector.All in all, this is one of the most pulse pounding, thrilling epics I've read. And it comes as no surprise to me why it has stood the test of time!

Brilliant edition of a timeless classic. Good binding, paper quality, and printing.

Story of Illiad is very well known, still Samuel Butler's translation adds more beauty. Writing style make you admire each chapter. Describing battles should have been hard part for the writer but nailed it. Make you eager to move through the story. Impressive fictional use. Had a pleasant reading experience.

Received in excellent condition. The cover, pages and the print are equally good. Translated by E. V. Rieu, this book is a must read for all who love Greek mythology. The introductory part gives an excellent overview of the incidents and characters which later helps in comprehending the episodes as one goes deeper into the book.

Amazin book! One of the foremost achievements in Western literature, Homer’s Iliad tells the story of the darkest episode in the Trojan War.

Iliad Writen by Homer has that grandeur to be a memorable Epic. Terrific characters with their individual motives,and God's human like behaviour makes it special. Outstanding print from the 'Penguin Publication' makes it worth reading. A must read for literature lovers......

The hardcover book it's binding is a bit dumb but the length of this book, which is around 650, for the price is justified. The book is not in beginner friendly language but with some tolerance you can really enjoy and appreciate the epic poem of Homer

For the cost book is worth.As mentioned the book is 352 pages.