Homer's Epics

The Iliad

Alexander Pope "works miracles" in this beautiful verse translation of Homer''s epic poem set near the end of the Trojan War. It centers on a quarrel between the invading Greek king Agamemnon and his greatest asset in battle, the warrior Achilles. From this conflict, Homer weaves a tale of warring nations, vengeful gods, and the terrible consequences of prideful rage (The New York Times).

The Odyssey

The Trojan War is over and Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, embarks to return home. But he is cursed by the god Poseidon to wander the perilous earth for ten years before reaching his destination. Homer''s epic adventure of survival by wit and battling mythical creatures is presented here in a stirring prose translation by Samuel Butler.