bumbledeb Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I'm not very intellectual or well read, so I want a modern translation that I can understand, but not a kid's version. I just finished the Epic of Gilgamesh by Stephen Mitchell and found it easy to understand and enjoy. I have two other versions that I really struggled with. So, which translation of the Iliad would you recommend for me? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyK Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 It sounds like Fagles is the one you are looking for. Fitzgerald has been the go-to translation for Homer for a long time, but I really prefer the Fagles. It is beautiful and modern at the same time. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyK Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Also, if you are interested in a treat, Ian McKellan reads the Fagles translation in its entirety for an audio book. Yum!! It probably costs a fortune so try to find it through the library. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumbledeb Posted November 11, 2008 Author Share Posted November 11, 2008 It sounds like Fagles is the one you are looking for. Fitzgerald has been the go-to translation for Homer for a long time, but I really prefer the Fagles. It is beautiful and modern at the same time. Enjoy! Thank you! Just ordered the Fagles one from Amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LilyK Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 Darn, I was just coming back to say that you should first post this on the curriculum board and get some feedback from other Homerphyles. But I think you will love Fagles. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alphabetika Posted November 11, 2008 Share Posted November 11, 2008 I just want to second the Fagles, and the Ian McKellan reading is FABULOUS!!!! I believe that Homer purists (and I say that in a complimentary way, truly) are not too fond of Fagles, saying his translations are too modern, but we loved the Fagles Iliad and Odyssey, and we have the Fagles Aeneid, too, though we haven't read it yet. The introductions to his books are excellent, too. Don't miss them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
texascamps Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 We have always been partial to Fitzgerald (my husband quoted it when we were dating, sigh) but I'm always up for something new. I'll try the Fagles with the Ian McKellan reading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peela Posted November 12, 2008 Share Posted November 12, 2008 Fagles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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