Showing results for "Homer" in Literary History & Criticism

The Iliad is a timeless epic poem, crafted in dactylic hexameters and traditionally attributed to Homer. Set against the backdrop of the legendary Trojan War, it chronicles the dramatic events of a ten-year siege of Ilium by a coalition of Greek states. The narrative focuses on the intense conflict between King Agamemnon and the mighty warrior Achilles, unfolding over just a few weeks in the final year of the war. Yet, within this brief timeframe, the Iliad weaves in countless Greek legends and tales about the siege, offering a rich tapestry of heroism, honor, and tragedy.

Embark on a cultural odyssey to explore the impact of Homer’s iconic poem, from its conception to the present day. Since it originated in the eighth century, The Odyssey has influenced literature, film, art, and much more, with its themes including homecoming, loyalty, and temptation. While...

Man seduces another's wife then kidnaps her. The husband and his brother get a gang together to steal her back and take revenge. The woman regrets being seduced and wants to escape, whilst the man's entourage resent the position they have been placed in. Yet the battle lines have been drawn and...

From the renowned translator of Rilke, Tao Te Ching, and Gilgamesh, a vivid new translation of Western civilization’s foundational epic: The Iliad. Tolstoy called the Iliad a miracle; Goethe said that it always thrust him into a state of astonishment. Homer’s story is thrilling, and his...

Brought to you by Penguin. A Sunday Times bestseller The next book in Stephen Fry's acclaimed internationally bestselling Greek myths series telling the story of The Odyssey. Sometimes the hardest journey is the way back home . . . Wily Odysseus, King of Ithaca, has won Troy for the Greeks –...

Longlisted for the 2014 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction (now the Bailie Gifford) ‘A thrilling and complex book, enlarges our view of Homer … There’s something that hits the mark on every page’ Claire Tomalin, Books of the Year, New Statesman Where does Homer come from? And why does...

Legendary Ancient Greek stories.

Dive into The Iliad, one of the two monumental ancient Greek epic poems traditionally credited to Homer. Believed to have been composed in the 8th or 7th century BC, this timeless work is often regarded as the oldest surviving piece of literature in the Greek language, earning its place as the cornerstone of European literary tradition. While the authorship remains a topic of debate, as the poems exhibit signs of a rich oral storytelling history, The Iliad vividly recounts the gripping events of the final year of the siege of Troy, illuminating the complexities of war, heroism, and human ...

Homer's Iliad is the famous epic poem set among the tales of Troy. Its subject is the anger of the hero Achilles and its consequences for the warring Greeks and Trojans. Unlike other books on the Iliad, this one combines the detailed expertise of a historian with the sensitivity of a teacher of it as poetry. Lane Fox goes on to consider hallmarks of the poem, its values, implicit and explicit, its characters, its women, its gods and even its horses. He argues repeatedly for its beautiful observation and addresses its parallel use of what is, to us, the natural world.

The roots of today's environmental catastrophe run deep into humanity's past. Through this unprecedented reading of Homer's Iliad, the award-winning classicist Edith Hall examines how this foundational text both documents the environmental practices of the ancient Greeks and betrays an awareness of the dangers posed by the destruction of the natural landscape. Underlying Homer's account of brutal military operations, alliances, and cataclysmic struggle is a palpable understanding that the direction in which humanity was headed could create a world that was uninhabitable.

Explore the enduring themes of adventure and perseverance, as inspired by a legendary journey filled with trials and triumphs. The title suggests a world of exploration and the relentless pursuit of home, capturing the essence of human resilience against formidable challenges. This podcast presents a rotating collection of complete audiobooks, each week showcasing a different narrative that resonates with these timeless ideas. Experience a diverse range of stories that span various perspectives, historical contexts, and literary styles. Perfect for listeners seeking insight, entertainment, and...

Explore the epic world of ancient warfare and divine intervention with themes of heroism, honor, and the devastating impact of conflict. This collection delves into the complexities of human nature amidst the chaos of war, where pride and fate intertwine in legendary battles. Each week, our podcast brings you a different full-length audiobook, offering a diverse range of perspectives, time periods, and storytelling styles. This is not a continuous story but a series of standalone narratives that provide insight, provoke thought, and transport you to different eras and cultures. New books are ...

The Iliad by Homer is a legendary sonnet set during the Trojan Conflict, zeroing in on the contention between the Greek legend Achilles and the Trojan sovereign Hector. The sonnet starts with Achilles' indignation after his authority, Agamemnon, claims away his reward, the lady Briseis. Achilles pulls out from the fight, prompting Greek misfortunes. As the Trojans, drove by Hector, make strides, Achilles' companion Patroclus wears Achilles' protection and is killed by Hector. Irritated, Achilles gets back to fight, kills Hector, and disrespects his body. At last, Lord Priam of Troy asks ...

The Iliad of Homer. The Iliad, together with the Odyssey, is one of two ancient Greek epic poems traditionally attributed to Homer. The poem is commonly dated to the 8th or 7th century BC, and many scholars believe it is the oldest extant work of literature in the Greek language, making it the first work of European literature. The existence of a single author for the poems is disputed as the poems themselves show evidence of a long oral tradition and hence, multiple authors. The poem concerns events during the tenth and final year in the siege of the city of Iliun, or Troy, by the Greeks.

From ‘the most powerful book critic in the English-speaking world’ (Vanity Fair) comes an inspiring and beautifully illustrated selection of the life-changing books that none of us should miss ‘Why do we love books so much?’ For legendary literary critic Michiko Kakutani, books have...

Can Christians today read the great classics of Greco-Roman pagan literature for spiritual formation and growth in the virtues? Classical scholar Nadya Williams responds with an unequivocal "Yes!" Even in the Late Roman Empire Christian readers, like Augustine and Boethius, did just this. But...

Discover The Iliad, a gripping epic that chronicles the final weeks of the war between the Greeks and the Trojans before the fall of Troy. This prose translation by Samuel Butler, a renowned 19th-century novelist, brings to life a story that is both brutally intense, deeply moving, and strikingly relevant. With vivid imagery and raw emotional depth, this masterpiece explores the destructive rage that drives men toward their own downfall. Long before the rise of cinema, The Iliad had already mastered the storytelling techniques later embraced by Hollywood blockbusters, making its narrative feel...

From the acclaimed biographer of Jane Jacobs and Srinivasa Ramanujan comes the first full life and work of arguably the most influential classical scholar of the twentieth century, who overturned long-entrenched notions of ancient epic poetry and enlarged the very idea of literature. In this...

Step into the enchanting world of The Odysseys, a timeless collection chronicling Ulysses epic journey home from the Trojan War. Believed to be penned in the 8th century BCE by the legendary blind poet Homer, who likely hailed from the Greek colonies in Asia Minor, these tales have been passed down through generations since the twelfth century BCE. Set during the magnificent Greek Bronze Age, a time when heroic mortals roamed the earth and the Gods often intervened, this verse translation by George Chapman—originally published in 1616—was the first to bring the ancient Greek narrative ...

This guide opens up Homer’s The Odyssey and highlights the universal themes of endurance and longing for rest as displayed in this epic tale of a man trying to find his way home.