The Iliad

The Iliad is not the story of the whole Trojan War. It covers just a few weeks in the tenth year of the siege, and its subject is announced in the very first line: the rage of Achilles. From a quarrel over a captive woman to the death of Hector, the poem traces how one man’s anger brings suffering to Greeks and Trojans alike.

What surprises first-time readers is how human it is. For every battle scene there is a moment of tenderness: Hector taking off his helmet so his baby son will not be frightened, or Priam kissing the hands of the man who killed his son. Homer shows the glory of war and its cost in the same breath.

Robert Fagles’ translation, first published in 1990, strikes a fine balance between faithfulness and energy. His loose, muscular lines are made to be read aloud, and the edition includes an excellent introduction and notes by Bernard Knox.

Our verdict

Essential reading for anyone interested in Ancient Greece. If you only ever read one ancient book, make it this one.