Iliad and Odyssey boxed set

This book is an excellent translation. Through this set, I have come to trust Robert Fagles and his translations. Although it is written in classical language, and thus may be hard for some readers to understand, I thoroughly enjoyed reading these classic pieces of Greek literature and mythology.

The struggle between the gods and the men they love (and hate) is all a part of the Greek beliefs system, and these books characterize that ideology. In the Iliad, not only are the men fighting against themselves, but the men are fighting the gods, and the gods are even fighting each other. This shows the Greek beliefs that the gods are flawed, just like the men they created, and they make mistakes too. This set gives excellent insight into the way the Greeks viewed their world and their gods.

I highly recommend this set for anyone who is interested in classic literature, or if someone just wants a good mythology story. Except for the fact that it is sometimes a bit wordy with the descriptions, these are amazing books that really give the reader a look into the Greek mindset.

Without knowledge of the Iliad and the Odyssey it is difficult to understand the many allusions and references to them encountered in the ancient sources, as well as many allegories and adaptations of more modern times, such as Oh Brother Where art Thou and Cold Mountain. This set translated by Robert Fagles, with the enlightening introductions by Bernard Knox, allows one to easily become familiar with the stories, mythology and characters that are not only entertaining in their own right, but are essential building blocks to Western history and literature.

Highly readable translation that conveys the poetic beauty of the Illiad and the Odyssey. The typography and physical construction of these volumes is also excellent.

Although I respect Fagles as a modern translator, I cannot recommend his translations of Homer...I would probably only recommend his translations of Sophocles's 3 Theban Plays.

Homer's Iliad and Odyssey don't sound like Epics anymore under Fagles...they are turned into mild nice sounding children stories! He tones down Homer to the point that I feel that Fagels wants his personality to shine NOT Homer's! I am gravely disappointed by this.

I also find that he not only forces beauty into the text but adds too much of his personal warmth that gets in the way of the texts and creates a vision of Homer's epics that is truly unsound to the original.

Not only that but the font and design of the print is an eye sore, I don't like the choice the publishers and Fagles gave to the works. It doesn't make for easy reading...

Stanley Lombardo's translations are unparalleled in their print layout, design and font...not to say vivid and powerful evocative translation.

I continue to find Richmond Lattimore's facinating translations the most accurate to how the Ancient Greek language sounds to English ears. I would buy Lattimore over Fagles (and Fitzgerald).

And I still think Rieu's famous Prose version from 1946 is hard to beat for it's modernity and readibility.

...Find out for yourself by comparing a few versions but don't be duped into this mysterious "Fagles hype"!

This boxed set was almost a steal it was such a price and quality! The works flowed with what can only be assumed near the original prose and was explained in great detail. Please do buy this item!