There is no greater introduction to world literature than Homer’s Iliad. The great epic poem tells the story of the Bronze Age war between the Achaeans (Greeks) and Trojans, the great warriors who did the fighting, the woman they were fighting for (and fighting over), and the gods who egged them on. This is a new, 21st century verse translation by Michael Heumann.  It seeks to retain the spirit and language of Homer’s original Greek while making it readable and enjoyable for a modern audience.

Goddess, sing the rage of Achilles, son of Peleus, which brought countless woes to the Achaeans and sent the souls of many brave heroes to Hades, their bodies made into a feast for dogs and crows all to carry out the unfathomable will of Zeus. Begin from the time when they first quarreled: the warrior king, son of Atreus, and godlike Achilles.