The Iliad

By Homer

Categories: Literature & Fiction

Homer's epic poem is set near the end of the Trojan War, the ten-year Greek siege of Troy, and centers on the wrath of Achilles. Humiliated by the Greek commander Agamemnon, Achilles withdraws from the fighting, and the war turns against the Greeks. The poem moves between the battlefield, the quarreling gods on Olympus and the city of Troy, where the prince Hector defends his family. This edition is Robert Fagles's verse translation, with an introduction and notes by Bernard Knox.

Recommended by 4 people

• Stewart Brand
• Paul Graham
• Jared Diamond: “I intend to re-read Homer's Odyssey and Iliad.”
• Elon Musk: “Can’t recommend The Iliad enough!”