The Iliad

The Iliad is one of the oldest and greatest works of Western literature, an epic poem of war, honor, and human grief. This edition presents Alexander Pope's celebrated verse translation, first published in the early eighteenth century, which renders Homer's Greek into rhymed English couplets of remarkable power and clarity.

The poem begins in the tenth year of the Trojan War, with a quarrel between Achilles and Agamemnon that sets off a chain of events testing friendship, rage, and the meaning of glory. Gods take sides, heroes fall, and the poem's compassion extends even to the enemy. Pope's translation captures the grandeur and the humanity of the original, making it accessible to modern readers.

This edition is designed for first-time readers, students, and book clubs. It includes the complete text of Pope's translation, a new introduction, a character guide, a summary of the story, an exploration of major themes, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and discussion questions to spark conversation. Whether you are approaching the Iliad for the first time or returning to it, this companion will help you navigate the world of Homer's heroes.