The second volume of The Iliad, which is one of my favourite epics, contains Books 13 - 24.

It is a very good edition of the Greek text with a critical apparatus by David B. Monro and Thomas W. Allen. These two scholars, aside from preparing this excellent edition, also wrote the introduction and the index. Interestingly, the index is in Latin, which is customary in this Oxford scholarly editions.

This volume provides a detailed and in-depth exploration of the later books of The Iliad, offering valuable insights and analysis. The critical apparatus helps readers to better understand the text, while the introduction sets the context and provides background information.

Overall, this is a must-have for anyone interested in Greek literature and The Iliad in particular. It is a great addition to any library and a valuable resource for scholars and students alike.

Finally, I have finished re-reading the Iliad. I find that I can't really add much to my review of the first half. In the later books, there is somewhat less stereotyped fighting. Instead, there is more of the pathos of Patrocles and Achilles, Hector, and Priam. Also, there is the comic relief of the fighting between the gods and goddesses. After I finish a few other projects, I'm going to try to go on to read the Odyssey. I've never read that in the original. This is my third time reading the Iliad, and I want to read the Odyssey while my Greek is still fresh in my memory. I'm really looking forward to exploring the adventures and stories in the Odyssey. It will be a new and exciting journey for me. I hope I can gain more insights and understanding from this classic work.

Review originally posted at warmdayswillnevercease.wordpress.com

The Iliad, commencing with an invocation of the Muses, is a captivating saga of war, pride, and destiny. It is a timeless classic that defies aging, regardless of the numerous translations and reimaginings it has endured. Regarding the plot, I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. It encompassed all the elements I adore: Greek mythology, pseudo-history, and a homoerotic subtext. Homer, whoever the true author may be, zeroes in on a few weeks during the final year of the Trojan War, yet alludes to numerous earlier events, including the origin of the war. The narrative concludes before Achilles' demise and the fall of Troy, yet incorporates these prophesied events, presenting an almost comprehensive account of this fabled war. It is truly a remarkable tale.

I did have a certain appreciation for the translation. However, despite my familiarity with Loeb editions, I couldn't help but notice that it was rather dry and stilted in certain passages. Loeb editions offer a relatively literal translation of the original text, which can be convenient when a literal rendering is required. Nevertheless, at times, they may not be the most engaging reads. This particular translation, at moments, seemed to lack style, flow, rhythm, and energy. Now that I have perused a literal translation, I find myself yearning for something a bit more artistic. Thankfully, due to this edition featuring the original Greek and the English translation side by side, my proficiency in reading Greek did experience a brief improvement, although I have now reverted to my former state of ineptitude.

I firmly believe that I will soon embark on reading another translation. The only dilemma lies in deciding which one to choose. I am currently torn between several options, but I am particularly inclined to read George Chapman's original translation, Robert Fagles' translation, and Richmond Lattimore's version. The abundance of choices is truly overwhelming!