Essential guide to reading The Iliad.
This book is a great tool for students or general readers who may not have familiarity with Homeric conventions. Its line-by-line commentary is helpful in understanding allusions and references unique to The Iliad. The book is well-structured and provides useful insights that make reading more enjoyable.
ISBN: 9780226898551
Authors:
Malcolm M. Willcock
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press
Date of Publication: 1976-05-01
Format: Paperback
Goodreads rating: 4.18
(rated by 257 readers)
Description
Those who are able to read Homer in Greek have ample recourse to commentaries, but the vast majority who read the Iliad in translation have not been so well served—the many available translations contain few, if any, notes. For these readers, Malcolm M. Willcock provides a line-by-line commentary that explains the many factual details, mythological allusions, and Homeric conventions that a student or general reader could not be expected to bring to an initial encounter with the Iliad. The notes, which always relate to particular lines in the text, have as their prime aim the simple, factual explanation of things the inexperienced reader would be unlikely to have at his or her command (What is a hecatomb? Who is Atreus' son?). Second, they enhance an appreciation of the Iliad by illuminating epic style, Homer's methods of composition, the structure of the work, and the characterization of the major heroes. The "Homeric Question," concerning the origin and authorship of the Iliad, is also discussed. Professor Willcock's commentary is based on Richmond Lattimore's translation—regarded by many as the outstanding translation of the present generation—but it may be used profitably with other versions as well. This clearly written commentary, which includes an excellent select bibliography, will make one of the touchstones of Western literature accessible to a wider audience.—from the back cover
Condition guide
Book Condition Guide
Books in Like New Condition
This book may contain very minor cosmetic defects, but it is in pristine condition. There should be no yellowing, no foxing, no water damage, and no annotations of any kind on the cover and the pages. For paperbacks, there should not be any crease marks on the spine. This book is good as new — lucky you!
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Very Good Condition
This book has been used, but it is still in a clean condition. There should be no foxing or annotations of any kind on the inner pages, but a sparse amount may be present on the cover, title pages, or outside edges of the book. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be light crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Good Condition
We do our best to ensure the quality of our books, but there is no escaping the wear and tear that comes with time. Slight foxing and some annotations may be present on the pages and the cover. There should be no water damage of any kind. For paperbacks, there may be several crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Books in Well Read Condition
This is a well-read book, which means that the previous owner probably really enjoyed it! The cover and pages may include moderate foxing and annotations, but the text is not obscured and still readable. Moderate cosmetic defects and minor water damage may be present on the edges of the book. For paperbacks, there may be multiple crease marks on the spine.
*Books may be missing bundle media (e.g. CD, e-book code), if included.
Find out more about our process here.
Availability
Quantity selected exceeds current stock
Thanks for signing up for restock notifications!
There was an error signing up for restock notifications. Please try again.
Be the first to know when we restock this title!
Notify Me
Adding product to your cart
You may also like
Essential guide to reading The Iliad.
This book is a great tool for students or general readers who may not have familiarity with Homeric conventions. Its line-by-line commentary is helpful in understanding allusions and references unique to The Iliad. The book is well-structured and provides useful insights that make reading more enjoyable.
You may also like
You may also like
You may also like
By completing this form, you are signing up to receive our emails and can unsubscribe at any time.