Homer: Iliad Book XXIV / Edition 1

by Homer, Colin W. Macleod

Overview

The twenty-fourth book of the Iliad - the account of Priam's ransoming of Hector's body from Achilles - is one of the masterpieces of world literature, a work of interest to a far wider audience than scholars of ancient Greek. In this edition Colin Macleod tries to reach both scholars and Greekless readers alike. In his commentary he gives help to readers unfamiliar with the language of Homer and discusses problems of content and expression, never treating this book in isolation but drawing attention to Homer's artistry and thought in the context of the whole of the Iliad. In his introduction Mr Macleod examines Homer's notion of poetry, his style and language and the architecture and meaning of his work. He tries to show why Book XXIV is a proper conclusion to the Iliad. This is an edition for classical scholars, undergraduates and students in the upper forms of schools. The introduction and substantial parts of the commentary require no knowledge of Greek and should find readers among all who are interested in European literature.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521286206
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/04/1982
Series:	Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.04(w) x 8.03(h) x 0.47(d)

About the Author

The ancient Greek poet Homer established the gold standard for heroic quests and sweeping journeys with his pair of classic epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey. Crowded with characters, both human and non-human, and bursting with action, the epic tales detail the fabled Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus as he struggles to return home. Homer’s epics have inspired countless books and works of art throughout their long history.

Table of Contents

Preface; Introduction; Bibliographical note; Note on the text and apparatus; Commentary; Indexes to the commentary.

Editorial Reviews

'[Macleod's] extraordinary success in catering for users at very different levels (including those who know no Greek) is characteristic of the whole work, and it is likely to exercise an influence far greater than its relatively modest appearance would, at first sight, suggest.' The Times Literary Supplement

'[This book] must be the most rewarding scholarly commentary in English on Homer. While informed by much learning, articulated with great precision, it is essentially literary-critical … Macleod's interpretation is deeply humane, and … contains much to admire, including pointed comparisons with later literature … and some sensitive extended discussions … All in all, Macleod's volume is a pleasure to work with …' Greece and Rome

From the Publisher