The Iliad – Homér (2020)

The Iliad has had a far-reaching impact on Western literature and culture, inspiring writers, artists and classical composers throughout the ages. This edition belongs to the Macmillan Collector’s Library, a series of clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold-foiled edges and ribbon markers. It features an introduction by classicist, writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes, author of A Thousand Ships and host of the BBC Radio 4 programme Natalie Haynes Stands up for the Classics. Paris, a Trojan prince, wins Helen as his prize for judging a beauty contest between three goddesses, then abducts her from her Greek husband Menelaos. Enraged by his audacity, the Greeks sail to Troy and begin a long siege of the city. The poem takes place in the tenth year of the war, when Achilles, the greatest Greek warrior, grows angry with his commander Agamemnon for failing to show him respect. He refuses to fight, with disastrous consequences for the Greeks and tragic consequences for Achilles himself. Exploring war, rage, grief and love, The Iliad remains powerful and enthralling more than 2,700 years after it was composed. This edition uses the prose translation by Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf and Ernest Myers.