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The Iliad/The Odyssey/The Aeneid
A glorious boxed set featuring Robert Fagles’s award-winning translations of the three great epics of Western literature
ONE OF THE PREEMINENT translators of our time, Robert Fagles’s interpretations of these epic poems give new life to three seminal works in the Western canon. The Penguin Classic Deluxe Editions of The Iliad, The Odyssey , and The Aeneid are collected here for the first time in a specially designed gift box. Each volume contains a superb introduction by renowned classicist Bernard Knox.
about The Odyssey
ONE OF THE PREEMINENT translators of our time, Robert Fagles’s interpretations of these epic poems give new life to three seminal works in the Western canon. The Penguin Classic Deluxe Editions of The Iliad, The Odyssey , and The Aeneid are collected here for the first time in a specially designed gift box. Each volume contains a superb introduction by renowned classicist Bernard Knox.
about The Odyssey
1648 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 600
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About the author
Homer
4,737 books7,105 followersHomer (Greek: Όμηρος born c. 8th century BC) was a Greek poet who is credited as the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two epic poems that are foundational works of ancient Greek literature. Homer is considered one of the most revered and influential authors in history.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.
French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.
Homer's Iliad centers on a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles during the last year of the Trojan War. The Odyssey chronicles the ten-year journey of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, back to his home after the fall of Troy. The poems are in Homeric Greek, also known as Epic Greek, a literary language which shows a mixture of features of the Ionic and Aeolic dialects from different centuries; the predominant influence is Eastern Ionic. Most researchers believe that the poems were originally transmitted orally. Despite being predominantly known for its tragic and serious themes, the Homeric poems also contain instances of comedy and laughter.
Homer's epic poems shaped aspects of ancient Greek culture and education, fostering ideals of heroism, glory, and honor. To Plato, Homer was simply the one who "has taught Greece" (τὴν Ἑλλάδα πεπαίδευκεν). In Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, Virgil refers to Homer as "Poet sovereign", king of all poets; in the preface to his translation of the Iliad, Alexander Pope acknowledges that Homer has always been considered the "greatest of poets". From antiquity to the present day, Homeric epics have inspired many famous works of literature, music, art, and film.
The question of by whom, when, where and under what circumstances the Iliad and Odyssey were composed continues to be debated. Scholars remain divided as to whether the two works are the product of a single author. It is thought that the poems were composed at some point around the late eighth or early seventh century BC. Many accounts of Homer's life circulated in classical antiquity; the most widespread account was that he was a blind bard from Ionia, a region of central coastal Anatolia in present-day Turkey. Modern scholars consider these accounts legendary.
French: Homère, Italian: Omero, Portuguese, Spanish: Homero.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 26, 2022
if I was at Troy that shit wouldn't have happened
October 17, 2013
I was one of those English majors who never really read the books in school they were supposed to. I'm a slow reader and just didn't feel I had the time. So after I graduated, I went back and read the ones I'd always really wanted to read. In that process, I finally got to all three of these: the Iliad, Odyssey, and the Aeneid (mostly while afloat in the Navy with no where else to go).
The Iliad and Odyssey are great and I found that the lyrical style was something I actually enjoyed. While the poety format and traditional oral devices make them harder to read for some, they made it easier for me. And I was always a mythology fan as a kid, so that helped too. These are about as Classic and Classical Lit gets and I would recommend them to any reader. The great strengths and fatal flaws of the characters and even the gods are still archetypical and relatable to people today, even with thousands of years of "wine dark sea" between our cultures.
The Aeneid is a bit different. It was written by Virgil for the Roman Emperor as a deliberate way give Rome a place in mythic history. And if you know that going in, you can see it. It's much more contrived than the traditional epics credited to Homer. It's still an enjoyable Classic, but more of a faked and forced mythology than a natural one.
The Iliad and Odyssey are great and I found that the lyrical style was something I actually enjoyed. While the poety format and traditional oral devices make them harder to read for some, they made it easier for me. And I was always a mythology fan as a kid, so that helped too. These are about as Classic and Classical Lit gets and I would recommend them to any reader. The great strengths and fatal flaws of the characters and even the gods are still archetypical and relatable to people today, even with thousands of years of "wine dark sea" between our cultures.
The Aeneid is a bit different. It was written by Virgil for the Roman Emperor as a deliberate way give Rome a place in mythic history. And if you know that going in, you can see it. It's much more contrived than the traditional epics credited to Homer. It's still an enjoyable Classic, but more of a faked and forced mythology than a natural one.
October 10, 2025
war is so romanticise that people forget about death.
July 9, 2023
I finally finished The Aeneid! This is a “lifetime reader goal” completed for me. I had never read it before in school & started it in community but fell behind and it took me forever to finish the last couple books. I have a special place in my heart for Robert Fagles as a translator (I have now read this whole triad translated by him), he brings the story and the characters to life. It feels lyrical and epic either read on the page or heard aloud. The Aeneid felt unique compared to Homer’s epic poems because of its historical basis in Rome but still had so much in common. I looped back & reread Book 5 The Land of the Dead to get a really good handle on Virgil’s vision of hell before jumping into Dante’s Inferno.
November 16, 2018
Fagles translation of Virgil is beautiful, fluid and eminently readable.
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that for me, Virgil's The Aeneid reads like Homer-lite.
Although Virgil has extraordinary verve, drama, and emotive skills, he borrows so heavily from Homer's Odyssey, I felt that I was reading a plagiarized rip off. A Trojan Odessey leading to the foundation of Rome. And as he was writing this beautiful tale for the Emperor, trying to steep Roman history in ancient myth and godly benediction, it felt oddly propaganda-like.
That is my view of the story-line and the orientation. The writing and the verse are exquisite. And his psychological insight into human character was spot on and offered to the reader with high drama. I mean, I think there has been no greater "spurned-lover spat and then fiery death" than Dido's in The Aeneid. Brilliantly written and worth reading the whole poem for that part alone.
Glad I read it, but where I have read The Illiad and The Odyssey many times, this will be my one and only read for The Aeneid. Too derivative for my liking and done much better by Homer.
I am going to go out on a limb here and say that for me, Virgil's The Aeneid reads like Homer-lite.
Although Virgil has extraordinary verve, drama, and emotive skills, he borrows so heavily from Homer's Odyssey, I felt that I was reading a plagiarized rip off. A Trojan Odessey leading to the foundation of Rome. And as he was writing this beautiful tale for the Emperor, trying to steep Roman history in ancient myth and godly benediction, it felt oddly propaganda-like.
That is my view of the story-line and the orientation. The writing and the verse are exquisite. And his psychological insight into human character was spot on and offered to the reader with high drama. I mean, I think there has been no greater "spurned-lover spat and then fiery death" than Dido's in The Aeneid. Brilliantly written and worth reading the whole poem for that part alone.
Glad I read it, but where I have read The Illiad and The Odyssey many times, this will be my one and only read for The Aeneid. Too derivative for my liking and done much better by Homer.
October 1, 2015
Fagles' translation is fantastic. So much better than Fitzgerald. We get maps, genealogy. . . Amazing.
April 25, 2011
Well you have to read it sometime, right? Maybe this isn't too odd of a reason, but I picked this version of Odyssey because of the beautiful design, printed and deckled paper. I believe the 'feel' of a book adds alot to the experience.
Robert Fagles is amazing. After I read Illiad and then Aeneid, I'm convinced he's one, if not *the* greatest living translator. The story reads near conversational, which means you don't have to bother with many footnotes. But the big draw for me is that it loses it's verve and potency, especially in the battle scenes.
I also like that Fagles did not indulge in poetry, and simply chose his words wisely.
(P.S. After having already read Robert Fitzgerald's translation of Virgil's Aeneid (and finding it very dull), I decided to read Fagles take on it. I can't recommend the Fagles translation enough!)
Robert Fagles is amazing. After I read Illiad and then Aeneid, I'm convinced he's one, if not *the* greatest living translator. The story reads near conversational, which means you don't have to bother with many footnotes. But the big draw for me is that it loses it's verve and potency, especially in the battle scenes.
I also like that Fagles did not indulge in poetry, and simply chose his words wisely.
(P.S. After having already read Robert Fitzgerald's translation of Virgil's Aeneid (and finding it very dull), I decided to read Fagles take on it. I can't recommend the Fagles translation enough!)
April 18, 2019
Fagles is the man.
That is all.
That is all.
December 28, 2018
Highly recommended. All three works are pillars of western literature. I should have read those books much earlier.
July 3, 2020
Fagles' translation is, by far, my favorite, at least of the Greek Works...[Mandlebaum for the Aeneid]. Fagles seems comfortable walking the tightrope between originalism and accessibility, although, it seems that when he errs (all translators must...) he does so on the side of accessibility rather than originalism.
August 17, 2021
La Nueva Biblioteca Clásica Gredos es de muy buena calidad y los textos son bastante más legibles que en otras editoriales. Salvo por quien tenga interés en la edición crítica de Cátedra, la nueva edición de Gredos es probablemente la mejor en español.
July 9, 2025
The Iliad by Homer adapted for The BBC
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
This is not just a masterpiece.
It is a fundamental work.
Classics of literature keep referring to it.
And yet, I did not enjoy it, even on this second or third taking.
We all know about Achilles, Hector, Paris and all the other heroes- mainly- and heroines involved in this tragic tale.
Without knowing about the Iliad and all that is involved in it we would probably not be able to read classic works.
The Achilles heel is a well-known frailty and myth, so much so that we refer to it in common language and say:
- This is his Achilles heel
On the other hand, there is so much violence that it turned me off, even in the abridged format of a play.
Yes, one can see the grandiose, spectacular confrontation of Greeks against Trojans and be mesmerized by it.
Or repelled.
I hesitated between the awe and the disgust provoked by the gory scenes of clashes in magnificent and yet gruesome battle scenes.
And it was the same some years back.
To compare with, I am including the notes written some years ago, on the same classical subject as left to posterity by Homer.
The Iliad by Homer…a note from 2012, added to a recording from 2017, with, alas, about the same lack of enthusiasm
The first time I‘ve read The Iliad, some 30-35 years ago; it must have been an abbreviated version. The version included in the Guardian top 100 list and on which should be on the must-read list of any serious reader is way too complex for an ordinary teenager, in my view.
My teacher of Literature, Chevorchian was an excellent man and extraordinary mentor. Among the many wonderful things he taught us was that we need to start reading with mythology, in order to understand the references made in Any of the great books. I do not remember all the short list of great books he insisted upon, but my guess is that the Iliad was on it. I know that Chevorchian insisted on Flaubert.
Back then I did read, but without any system, I did not consult the internet (there wasn’t any). Now I try to read and re-read the best books ever written.
The Iliad is a very complex, tough book. In the future, if political correctness I all the rage, some books will fall from the top lists.
Homer is describing with great talent the epic battles of Troy. Many men die, an outrageous number of animals are mutilated, sacrificed.
I did not count for an accurate statistics, but there might be a beheading on every other page.
That being said, the book is indeed extraordinary… the bravery, the beauty of the fights is sometimes shadowed by the cowardice of defeated fighters.
I felt very sad when Hector dies. Disappointed by the way his corpse was treated by the “brave, unique” Achilles- dragged through the dust.
There would be much more I’d like to write about it, making my impression as long as the book itself, but I’m no Homer so I better stop here.
Another version of this note and thoughts on other books are available at:
- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
This is not just a masterpiece.
It is a fundamental work.
Classics of literature keep referring to it.
And yet, I did not enjoy it, even on this second or third taking.
We all know about Achilles, Hector, Paris and all the other heroes- mainly- and heroines involved in this tragic tale.
Without knowing about the Iliad and all that is involved in it we would probably not be able to read classic works.
The Achilles heel is a well-known frailty and myth, so much so that we refer to it in common language and say:
- This is his Achilles heel
On the other hand, there is so much violence that it turned me off, even in the abridged format of a play.
Yes, one can see the grandiose, spectacular confrontation of Greeks against Trojans and be mesmerized by it.
Or repelled.
I hesitated between the awe and the disgust provoked by the gory scenes of clashes in magnificent and yet gruesome battle scenes.
And it was the same some years back.
To compare with, I am including the notes written some years ago, on the same classical subject as left to posterity by Homer.
The Iliad by Homer…a note from 2012, added to a recording from 2017, with, alas, about the same lack of enthusiasm
The first time I‘ve read The Iliad, some 30-35 years ago; it must have been an abbreviated version. The version included in the Guardian top 100 list and on which should be on the must-read list of any serious reader is way too complex for an ordinary teenager, in my view.
My teacher of Literature, Chevorchian was an excellent man and extraordinary mentor. Among the many wonderful things he taught us was that we need to start reading with mythology, in order to understand the references made in Any of the great books. I do not remember all the short list of great books he insisted upon, but my guess is that the Iliad was on it. I know that Chevorchian insisted on Flaubert.
Back then I did read, but without any system, I did not consult the internet (there wasn’t any). Now I try to read and re-read the best books ever written.
The Iliad is a very complex, tough book. In the future, if political correctness I all the rage, some books will fall from the top lists.
Homer is describing with great talent the epic battles of Troy. Many men die, an outrageous number of animals are mutilated, sacrificed.
I did not count for an accurate statistics, but there might be a beheading on every other page.
That being said, the book is indeed extraordinary… the bravery, the beauty of the fights is sometimes shadowed by the cowardice of defeated fighters.
I felt very sad when Hector dies. Disappointed by the way his corpse was treated by the “brave, unique” Achilles- dragged through the dust.
There would be much more I’d like to write about it, making my impression as long as the book itself, but I’m no Homer so I better stop here.
July 9, 2022
So I finally read the Aeneid after reading the Iliad and the Odyssey years ago. I take Latin so translating this book from the original text in class this year will be fun (hopefully).
Anyways, Robert Fagles’ translation is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the Aeneid and I love reading epics. The story is a continuation of the Iliad and takes place at the same time as the Odyssey. Aeneas is extremely pious and feels a strong sense of duty for his destiny: to go to the land of Hesperia and found Rome. The story is divided into books and includes many different installments including Aeneas’ journey to the underworld and the story of Dido and Aeneas (the story of Dido and Aeneas is the original template for the tragic lover inspiring such works as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet).
The story is interesting as well because it serves as a connection to the ancient stories of the Trojan War and the gods to Ancient Rome. When Virgil was alive, Rome was in its golden age and there was a renewed interest into replicating and even surpassing the golden age of the Greeks. The Aeneid serves as a piece of Roman propaganda, emphasizing the culture and supremacy of the Romans and establishing Aeneas as the forefather of the Roman people. If you are interested in mythology, Homeric epics, and Ancient Rome as I am, this is worth the read.
Anyways, Robert Fagles’ translation is fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the Aeneid and I love reading epics. The story is a continuation of the Iliad and takes place at the same time as the Odyssey. Aeneas is extremely pious and feels a strong sense of duty for his destiny: to go to the land of Hesperia and found Rome. The story is divided into books and includes many different installments including Aeneas’ journey to the underworld and the story of Dido and Aeneas (the story of Dido and Aeneas is the original template for the tragic lover inspiring such works as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet).
The story is interesting as well because it serves as a connection to the ancient stories of the Trojan War and the gods to Ancient Rome. When Virgil was alive, Rome was in its golden age and there was a renewed interest into replicating and even surpassing the golden age of the Greeks. The Aeneid serves as a piece of Roman propaganda, emphasizing the culture and supremacy of the Romans and establishing Aeneas as the forefather of the Roman people. If you are interested in mythology, Homeric epics, and Ancient Rome as I am, this is worth the read.
January 7, 2017
Much-lauded new translation of the The Aeneid by Fagles.
Description of sailing quickly - "only a razor-edge between the devil and the deep blue sea"
As Aeneas leaves Dido after Dido condemns him: "But Aeneas is driven by duty now. Strongly as he longs to ease and allay her sorrow, speak to her, turn away her anguish with reassurance, still, moaning deeply, heart shattered by his great love, in spite of all he obeys the gods' commands and back he goes to his ships."
Dido seemed upset at Aeneas departing: "I hope, I pray, if the just gods still have any power, wrecked on the rocks mid-sea you'll drink you bown of pain to the dregs, crying out the name of Dido"
Ascanius: "All our lives are honed to the hard edge of steel, reversing our spears we spur our oxen's flanks. No lame old age can cripple our high spirits, sap our vigor, no, we tamp our helmets down on our gray heads, and our great joy is always to haul fresh booty home and live off all we seize."
Description of sailing quickly - "only a razor-edge between the devil and the deep blue sea"
As Aeneas leaves Dido after Dido condemns him: "But Aeneas is driven by duty now. Strongly as he longs to ease and allay her sorrow, speak to her, turn away her anguish with reassurance, still, moaning deeply, heart shattered by his great love, in spite of all he obeys the gods' commands and back he goes to his ships."
Dido seemed upset at Aeneas departing: "I hope, I pray, if the just gods still have any power, wrecked on the rocks mid-sea you'll drink you bown of pain to the dregs, crying out the name of Dido"
Ascanius: "All our lives are honed to the hard edge of steel, reversing our spears we spur our oxen's flanks. No lame old age can cripple our high spirits, sap our vigor, no, we tamp our helmets down on our gray heads, and our great joy is always to haul fresh booty home and live off all we seize."
September 18, 2024
This is an outstanding translation. Who’d have thought an epic poem could be a page turner but there I was wondering when Turnus was gonna get his…
I’m sure I’d read this before but was hung up on history - Aeneas was traveling to Italy at the same time as Odysseus was heading home to Greece? How far apart between Scylla/Charybdis and Polyphemus?
Aeneas the pious as he’s called, willing to die in the battle of Troy but pulled out by his mother Venus. Hated by Hera, she of the Greek side motivated by vanity as she was snubbed in favor of Venus by Paris, he who stole Helen, at least in evaluation of beauty, the trigger of all the stuff.
Aeneas’ love and commitment to his father and son is inspiring, his lineage in the foundation of Rome great.
As has been said more than once, the noble characters seem to be in the losing side - Brash Achilles vs noble Hector, pious Aeneas vs wily Odysseus, in the hands of Jove.
I’m sure I’d read this before but was hung up on history - Aeneas was traveling to Italy at the same time as Odysseus was heading home to Greece? How far apart between Scylla/Charybdis and Polyphemus?
Aeneas the pious as he’s called, willing to die in the battle of Troy but pulled out by his mother Venus. Hated by Hera, she of the Greek side motivated by vanity as she was snubbed in favor of Venus by Paris, he who stole Helen, at least in evaluation of beauty, the trigger of all the stuff.
Aeneas’ love and commitment to his father and son is inspiring, his lineage in the foundation of Rome great.
As has been said more than once, the noble characters seem to be in the losing side - Brash Achilles vs noble Hector, pious Aeneas vs wily Odysseus, in the hands of Jove.
March 15, 2020
The Aeneid is a Latin epic poem written by the Roman poet Virgil between 29 and 19 BC. It tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who traveled to Italy and became the ancestor of the Romans. It comprises nearly 10,000 lines dactylic hexameter. The first half of the book tells of the travels he and his fellow Trojans go through. The other half deals with battling the Latins and defeating them.
Aeneas was already known in Greco-Roman legend as he was a character in the Iliad. Virgil took the character and created a compelling national epic that tied Rome to the legends of Troy, explained the Punic Wars, glorified Roman values, and legitimized the Julio-Claudian dynasty as descendants of the founders, heroes, and gods of Rome and Troy.
Virgil begins his poem with a statement of his theme (Arma virumque cano ..., "Of arms and the man I sing ...") and an invocation to the Muse, falling some seven lines after the poem's inception (Musa, mihi causas memora ..., "O Muse, recount to me the causes ..."). He then explains the reason for the principal conflict in the story: the resentment held by the goddess Juno against the Trojan people. This is consistent with her role throughout the Homeric epics. [wiki]
Now onto my actual ideas on this great work of Western literature. For starters, Virgil grew up in a small town and was taken in by the wealthy to study in the great cities of his day. He's regarded as one of Rome's greatest poets, even being popular in the middle ages, where Dante Alighieri uses Virgil the poet/writer as one of the main characters for his Divine Comedy, another great classic of Western literature. He is described as a tall man, very learned but he spoke like a commoner of his day.
I read the Robert Fagles translation from 2006. It's got a strong modernist sensibility without being too easy to read or understand. I also read Fagles' modern translation of the Iliad and the Odyssey and it should be noted that there is a continuity of style and particular words in usage throughout all three works. I recommend this version for a first read. I'm also interested in reading a more literal and/or different translations, as well as these are the kind of books that I'd like to reread in order to understand more about it and enjoy again.
The beginning of the Aeneid is very slow. In that sense its a lot different from the Odyssey, which is fast-paced. There's the sacking of Troy, the Trojan horse, lots of wandering and sailing, Queen Dido, Sicily, Underworld, and lastly, war. However, the events that happen in the Aeneid are so similar to the Odyssey and the Iliad that you could say that the Aeneid is Virgil's take, putting both the Iliad and the Odyssey together in his own story. After all, he used Homer's works as the template for his creativity here.
One of the most compelling moments is when Aeneas falls in love with Queen Dido but ends up leaving her in order to fulfill his destiny, as prophesized by the gods. It's presumed after they get lost together during a hunting expedition that they have sex, which Dido takes as an indication of marriage between them. However, Jupiter sends Mercury [these gods have different names but are roughly equivalent to the Greek gods] to send Aeneas out to sail, to focus on his task. Her heart crushed and thrown in the garbage, Dido commits suicide, stabbing herself upon a pyre with Aeneas' sword. How tragic.
The fighting in this book is intense, full of heroes fighting valiantly. It's not quite as powerful psychologically as the Iliad but that's my take. The speeches taunting the other champions are aplenty but I found it a little flat compared to the epic chest-beating in the Iliad. The actual fighting was more interesting to me especially the female warrior Camilla, a warrior virgin. It's interesting because I've been reading these epics like Beowulf and Homer and none of them have any female warriors in particular. That really stood out to me. Early feminist overtones? It was sad to see her die to treachery.
Also, it should be noted that during the time of this writing Rome was going through a lot of changes with the Fall of the Republic and the Final War of the Roman Republic having torn through society and many people began to think twice about the "Greatness of Rome". But then the new Emperor Augustus Ceaser brought on an era of prosperity and peace through the reintroduction of traditional Roman values, which Virgil highlights with the utmost detail in the Aeneid. The abrupt ending suggests that Virgil died without finishing the work.
This is one of those all-time great books that should be a must-read for anyone interested in great literature. The story itself is grand, eloquent, and contains very expressive and beautiful lines and themes. Although the original text was written in Latin, it comes across very well in English to my young modern mind. Sometimes these epics from the early ages come across sort of flat. Not so here in Fagles' translation, where although it isn't a literal translation, he has taken care to update the writing without losing its edge, its expressive quality. This is why I enjoyed reading it [and Fagle's other translations] so much. Yes, its a very long work and lots of lines and words with little spacing, but it's just so good that reading it is a breeze, a pleasure, stimulating intellectually and aesthetically. Take as long as you need because although its a slow-burn, its fantastic.
Check out my Fagle's translation reviews for the Iliad and the Odyssey below
http://ofigueroamusic.blogspot.com/20...
https://ofigueroamusic.blogspot.com/2...
Aeneas was already known in Greco-Roman legend as he was a character in the Iliad. Virgil took the character and created a compelling national epic that tied Rome to the legends of Troy, explained the Punic Wars, glorified Roman values, and legitimized the Julio-Claudian dynasty as descendants of the founders, heroes, and gods of Rome and Troy.
Virgil begins his poem with a statement of his theme (Arma virumque cano ..., "Of arms and the man I sing ...") and an invocation to the Muse, falling some seven lines after the poem's inception (Musa, mihi causas memora ..., "O Muse, recount to me the causes ..."). He then explains the reason for the principal conflict in the story: the resentment held by the goddess Juno against the Trojan people. This is consistent with her role throughout the Homeric epics. [wiki]
Now onto my actual ideas on this great work of Western literature. For starters, Virgil grew up in a small town and was taken in by the wealthy to study in the great cities of his day. He's regarded as one of Rome's greatest poets, even being popular in the middle ages, where Dante Alighieri uses Virgil the poet/writer as one of the main characters for his Divine Comedy, another great classic of Western literature. He is described as a tall man, very learned but he spoke like a commoner of his day.
I read the Robert Fagles translation from 2006. It's got a strong modernist sensibility without being too easy to read or understand. I also read Fagles' modern translation of the Iliad and the Odyssey and it should be noted that there is a continuity of style and particular words in usage throughout all three works. I recommend this version for a first read. I'm also interested in reading a more literal and/or different translations, as well as these are the kind of books that I'd like to reread in order to understand more about it and enjoy again.
The beginning of the Aeneid is very slow. In that sense its a lot different from the Odyssey, which is fast-paced. There's the sacking of Troy, the Trojan horse, lots of wandering and sailing, Queen Dido, Sicily, Underworld, and lastly, war. However, the events that happen in the Aeneid are so similar to the Odyssey and the Iliad that you could say that the Aeneid is Virgil's take, putting both the Iliad and the Odyssey together in his own story. After all, he used Homer's works as the template for his creativity here.
One of the most compelling moments is when Aeneas falls in love with Queen Dido but ends up leaving her in order to fulfill his destiny, as prophesized by the gods. It's presumed after they get lost together during a hunting expedition that they have sex, which Dido takes as an indication of marriage between them. However, Jupiter sends Mercury [these gods have different names but are roughly equivalent to the Greek gods] to send Aeneas out to sail, to focus on his task. Her heart crushed and thrown in the garbage, Dido commits suicide, stabbing herself upon a pyre with Aeneas' sword. How tragic.
The fighting in this book is intense, full of heroes fighting valiantly. It's not quite as powerful psychologically as the Iliad but that's my take. The speeches taunting the other champions are aplenty but I found it a little flat compared to the epic chest-beating in the Iliad. The actual fighting was more interesting to me especially the female warrior Camilla, a warrior virgin. It's interesting because I've been reading these epics like Beowulf and Homer and none of them have any female warriors in particular. That really stood out to me. Early feminist overtones? It was sad to see her die to treachery.
Also, it should be noted that during the time of this writing Rome was going through a lot of changes with the Fall of the Republic and the Final War of the Roman Republic having torn through society and many people began to think twice about the "Greatness of Rome". But then the new Emperor Augustus Ceaser brought on an era of prosperity and peace through the reintroduction of traditional Roman values, which Virgil highlights with the utmost detail in the Aeneid. The abrupt ending suggests that Virgil died without finishing the work.
This is one of those all-time great books that should be a must-read for anyone interested in great literature. The story itself is grand, eloquent, and contains very expressive and beautiful lines and themes. Although the original text was written in Latin, it comes across very well in English to my young modern mind. Sometimes these epics from the early ages come across sort of flat. Not so here in Fagles' translation, where although it isn't a literal translation, he has taken care to update the writing without losing its edge, its expressive quality. This is why I enjoyed reading it [and Fagle's other translations] so much. Yes, its a very long work and lots of lines and words with little spacing, but it's just so good that reading it is a breeze, a pleasure, stimulating intellectually and aesthetically. Take as long as you need because although its a slow-burn, its fantastic.
Check out my Fagle's translation reviews for the Iliad and the Odyssey below
http://ofigueroamusic.blogspot.com/20...
https://ofigueroamusic.blogspot.com/2...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2023
The writing was beautiful, breathtaking, even, but it's hard as a contemporary reader to wholly engage with a text meant to be A) read aloud (experienced as an oral tradition) and B) full of references to the Iliad and other historical events that may not even be known in history. Sadly, there's a degree of separation between us readers and this ancient text that cannot be filled by any amount of knowledge of the classics.
February 18, 2018
I was forced to read this story through my World Literature class, and I must admit that it wasn't worth the time I spent to read it. I do not like stories such as these, for they are myths passed down for possible 'truths' and can sometimes be believed when they shouldn't be. I had to force myself to finish reading it.
March 29, 2021
I haven't read all three of Robert Fagles's translations but I have read his translation of the Aeneid and think it marvellous.
I've posted three blogs from the book and have another to post, but three are simply quotes. This is my "review":
https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
I've posted three blogs from the book and have another to post, but three are simply quotes. This is my "review":
https://richardswsmith.wordpress.com/...
May 27, 2022
The most sparkling and magnificent modern editions of the classical epics. Phrases from the Fagles translation are burned into my brain, inseparable from what I consider to be Homer or Virgil. Translations I will read and reread as long as I live
March 9, 2017
Gotta love Homer!!! Bucket list book for everyone. I like the Iliad better.
July 13, 2017
perfection-the masterpieces of literature. To reread as an adult , I saw it in a whole new light. A must read.
January 11, 2022
No question, Fagles has the best translations, particularly Latin translations of Virgil
May 4, 2023
The best book I've ever read.
November 15, 2025
Finally done the epic saga
December 16, 2025
And I translated them too
December 16, 2025
There are no covenants between men and lions! What a line.
December 6, 2018
What Does It Take to Defeat a God?
Immerse yourself in this epic: a leader’s ten-year journey to get back from war. Odysseus, the ruler of Ithaca faces a perilous journey back to his homeland after successfully fighting in the Trojan War. The story opens with a description of Odysseus’ hardships and the fact he was sent to Ogygia by Poseidon where Calypso, the island’s nymph, traps stranded sailors. Because Calypso is destined to love anyone that ends up on her island, she falls in love with Odysseus and holds him prisoner. Despite succumbing to Poseidon and Calypso, Odysseus is portrayed as an intelligent, brawny, and loyal general who is loved by all he rules. Odysseus is desperate to see his homeland once again; finally, thanks to the help of Hermes, he gets his lucky break to escape the island and start the path home. Odysseus, however, must overcome a myriad of dangerous obstacles if he is to succeed.
While the traditional version of Odyssey poses the reader many challenges due to its archaic English, the modern version uses language which makes the book easier to understand. Despite the translation, the original intention was for the work to be recited out loud rather than being read. Furthermore, the book reflects Homer’s origins since the author was born on, Ionia, a Greek island, so the story’s themes reflect Homer’s upbringing as well. Back then, society revolved around male dominance and women’s reliance on masculine support. For instance, Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, struggles to maintain order in Ithaca without Odysseus, and the cunning male characters around her recognize her frailty without masculine protection. Given modern politics, Homer seems as if he is being discriminatory towards women; however, readers must realize that this book dates back to the eighth century when these views were normal within society.
I would recommend this book to people aged from thirteen and up who are interested in Greek mythologies or even just fantasy, adventure stories. Despite the gender discrimination that exists within the book, the varied characters provide lessons and themes of interest. Odysseus carries a relentless drive, yet he is absorbed by arrogance. Penelope shows tremendous faith; nevertheless, she is often hesitant to act. Finally, Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, is brave but often overcome with skepticism.
Like all fantasy stories, Odyssey breaks reality with the seemingly impossible occurring throughout. Readers should beware that the events that occur in this story are not historical facts. For instance, there is no proof that the Battle of Troy happened. Also, the characters within the story either contain godly attributes without exception, or they are filled with faults, which does not reflect real life. Furthermore, when you read about the encounters that Odysseus faces on his journey home, you will realize just have far from reality the story really is.
What I like about the book is that it covers a general theme of not giving up and to try your best. This theme is seen whenever Odysseus is faced with a hardship such as Calypso and the many other difficult obstacles he has to overcome. Odysseus refuses to give up and tries his best to accomplish his mission, which is why I respect him. Even though it is true that he has an issue with arrogance, I believe it is also a virtue as it gives him the confidence to combat all the issues that would seem impossible to others.
My favorite parts of the book are when Odysseus goes up against a challenge. In those moments, I can truly experience the turmoil he is facing and relate them to the difficult moments in my life. Moreover, they are like lessons for myself to try harder and never give up despite how difficult something may appear.
This book can be related to Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan because both books are about gods and how they are superior to humans. Even though Percy Jackson is a modern book, it also details the difficulties that people face throughout their lives especially when they are faced with those who seem superior to them.
P.S I wrote this book review on only the book Odysseus
Immerse yourself in this epic: a leader’s ten-year journey to get back from war. Odysseus, the ruler of Ithaca faces a perilous journey back to his homeland after successfully fighting in the Trojan War. The story opens with a description of Odysseus’ hardships and the fact he was sent to Ogygia by Poseidon where Calypso, the island’s nymph, traps stranded sailors. Because Calypso is destined to love anyone that ends up on her island, she falls in love with Odysseus and holds him prisoner. Despite succumbing to Poseidon and Calypso, Odysseus is portrayed as an intelligent, brawny, and loyal general who is loved by all he rules. Odysseus is desperate to see his homeland once again; finally, thanks to the help of Hermes, he gets his lucky break to escape the island and start the path home. Odysseus, however, must overcome a myriad of dangerous obstacles if he is to succeed.
While the traditional version of Odyssey poses the reader many challenges due to its archaic English, the modern version uses language which makes the book easier to understand. Despite the translation, the original intention was for the work to be recited out loud rather than being read. Furthermore, the book reflects Homer’s origins since the author was born on, Ionia, a Greek island, so the story’s themes reflect Homer’s upbringing as well. Back then, society revolved around male dominance and women’s reliance on masculine support. For instance, Odysseus’ wife, Penelope, struggles to maintain order in Ithaca without Odysseus, and the cunning male characters around her recognize her frailty without masculine protection. Given modern politics, Homer seems as if he is being discriminatory towards women; however, readers must realize that this book dates back to the eighth century when these views were normal within society.
I would recommend this book to people aged from thirteen and up who are interested in Greek mythologies or even just fantasy, adventure stories. Despite the gender discrimination that exists within the book, the varied characters provide lessons and themes of interest. Odysseus carries a relentless drive, yet he is absorbed by arrogance. Penelope shows tremendous faith; nevertheless, she is often hesitant to act. Finally, Telemachus, the son of Odysseus, is brave but often overcome with skepticism.
Like all fantasy stories, Odyssey breaks reality with the seemingly impossible occurring throughout. Readers should beware that the events that occur in this story are not historical facts. For instance, there is no proof that the Battle of Troy happened. Also, the characters within the story either contain godly attributes without exception, or they are filled with faults, which does not reflect real life. Furthermore, when you read about the encounters that Odysseus faces on his journey home, you will realize just have far from reality the story really is.
What I like about the book is that it covers a general theme of not giving up and to try your best. This theme is seen whenever Odysseus is faced with a hardship such as Calypso and the many other difficult obstacles he has to overcome. Odysseus refuses to give up and tries his best to accomplish his mission, which is why I respect him. Even though it is true that he has an issue with arrogance, I believe it is also a virtue as it gives him the confidence to combat all the issues that would seem impossible to others.
My favorite parts of the book are when Odysseus goes up against a challenge. In those moments, I can truly experience the turmoil he is facing and relate them to the difficult moments in my life. Moreover, they are like lessons for myself to try harder and never give up despite how difficult something may appear.
This book can be related to Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan because both books are about gods and how they are superior to humans. Even though Percy Jackson is a modern book, it also details the difficulties that people face throughout their lives especially when they are faced with those who seem superior to them.
P.S I wrote this book review on only the book Odysseus
March 15, 2023
This is a really great follow up to Black Ships Before Troy. The book was well written and told a great story. I enjoyed it a lot and highly recommend it.
May 8, 2015
The Aeneid Review
Personally I found The Aeneid to be an excellent story. I would definitely recommend this to book to anyone who likes a book with a good story and a good meaning. Also the book is a spinoff of sorts from Homers Iliad. So if you enjoyed that story you will certainly enjoy this one.
The story is based around the idea that before Troy fell to the Greeks a group of Trojans, led by the epic hero in the story Aeneas, escaped the city. They then made their way to the Italian peninsula and founded the city of Rome thus beginning Roman civilization.
Overall on a scale of one to ten I would give the story a ten out of ten because I really enjoyed this story. I also love that it was written because the Roman Emperor Augustus wanted a National Epic for Rome, and commissioned one of history’s greatest writers Virgil to create it. I also love how well it ties to actual history and connections to the Iliad.
Personally I found The Aeneid to be an excellent story. I would definitely recommend this to book to anyone who likes a book with a good story and a good meaning. Also the book is a spinoff of sorts from Homers Iliad. So if you enjoyed that story you will certainly enjoy this one.
The story is based around the idea that before Troy fell to the Greeks a group of Trojans, led by the epic hero in the story Aeneas, escaped the city. They then made their way to the Italian peninsula and founded the city of Rome thus beginning Roman civilization.
Overall on a scale of one to ten I would give the story a ten out of ten because I really enjoyed this story. I also love that it was written because the Roman Emperor Augustus wanted a National Epic for Rome, and commissioned one of history’s greatest writers Virgil to create it. I also love how well it ties to actual history and connections to the Iliad.
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