the iliad
by Homer (as translated by Samuel Butler)
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
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Torrance, California, United States
999 Copies Available from This Seller
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About This Item
Homer?s epic poem dates back to the eighth century, BC. The classic adventure story that follows the fate of two great armies takes place over just a two-week time period. The Iliad and Homer?s The Odyssey are the greatest poems to come from ancient oral tradition.
The epic tale begins nine years after the start of the Trojan war between the Greeks and the Trojans. The Greek (Achaean) army has just taken the town of Chryse, and two beautiful maidens have been captured. The leader of the Achaean army, Agamemnon, takes one maiden, Chryseis, for himself. The second maiden, Briseis, is granted to Achilles, the most able and heroic of the Achaean soldiers.
Chryseis? father is a priest under the god Apollo, and when Agamemnon refuses to return his daughter, he sends a plague upon the Achaean army. After many die, Agamemnon agrees to return Chryseis. Upset about losing his prize, Agamemnon demands that Briseis be taken from Achilles and give to him. Achilles, insulted and angered by this offense, quits the Achaean army and vows revenge.
As gods begin to take sides, the war increases in intensity and many lives are sacrificed. Troy becomes stronger and stronger, threatening to defeat the Achaean army once and for all. Will Achilles let go of his pride, rejoin his comrades, and defend his homeland?
The Iliad was praised by the likes of Socrates and Plato, and continues to enthrall scholars today. It has been adapted into countless adaptations, literary and film.
Synopsis
Dating to the ninth century BC, Homer’s timeless poem still vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods wrestling with towering emotions and battling amidst devastation and destruction, as it moves inexorably to the wrenching, tragic conclusion of the Trojan War. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox observes in his superb Introduction that although the violence of the Iliad is grim and relentless, it coexists with both images of civilized life and a poignant yearning for peace. Combining the skills of a poet and scholar, Robert Fagles brings the energy of contemporary language to this enduring heroic epic. He maintains the drive and metric music of Homer’s poetry, and evokes the impact and nuance of the Iliad ’s mesmerizing repeated phrases in what Peter Levi calls an astonishing performance.”
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Details
- Bookseller
- IDB Productions (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 9781775420613
- Title
- the iliad
- Author
- Homer (as translated by Samuel Butler)
- Format/Binding
- MP3 Audio CD
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 999
Terms of Sale
IDB Productions
About the Seller
IDB Productions
About IDB Productions
Glossary
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