Thelxinoë
This is my preferred translation of the Iliad into English. The actual epic is beyond a single layperson's ability to review sufficiently in a succinct comment, so I'll only say this is my favourite piece of literature. Analysis of the themes and style is plenty to be found, for anyone interested. Suffice to say the themes and philosophical questions it raises on topics like mortality are going to be forever relevant. For that reason, I would say this book is a universal recommendation I'd offer if asked.
This work is less intimidating than it appears to be, especially if one chooses a good, modern, scholarly translation. On that aspect, Caroline Alexander offers a good balance between readability and fidelity to the original, her verse flows beautifully, and she allows the humanity of this work to shine in a way other translations don't. I also have to appreciate her introductional notes giving a short overview on current scholarship.
Another translation I think an English-based reader should check out is the one by Richmond Lattimore, though I admit I've only read excerpts of his - I am, however, familiar with his work as a translator of both Greek epic and Greek lyrical verse, and he is well-established and esteemed with good reason.
This is my preferred translation of the Iliad into English. The actual epic is beyond a single layperson's ability to review sufficiently in a succinct comment, so I'll only say this is my favourite piece of literature. Analysis of the themes and style is plenty to be found, for anyone interested. Suffice to say the themes and philosophical questions it raises on topics like mortality are going to be forever relevant. For that reason, I would say this book is a universal recommendation I'd offer if asked.
This work is less intimidating than it appears to be, especially if one chooses a good, modern, scholarly translation. On that aspect, Caroline Alexander offers a good balance between readability and fidelity to the original, her verse flows beautifully, and she allows the humanity of this work to shine in a way other translations don't. I also have to appreciate her introductional notes giving a short overview on current scholarship.
Another translation I think an English-based reader should check out is the one by Richmond Lattimore, though I admit I've only read excerpts of his - I am, however, familiar with his work as a translator of both Greek epic and Greek lyrical verse, and he is well-established and esteemed with good reason.