The Iliad and The Odyssey: 2-Book Paperback Boxed Set

This handsome slipcased edition brings together two of the most celebrated classical works of literature, The Iliad and The Odyssey. The legendary poet of Greek antiquity, Homer, is surrounded by almost as much myth as the characters of his two epic poems. As two of the oldest extant works of Western literature, they formed the foundations for Ancient Greek culture and have been read, translated, adapted, and enjoyed across the globe since the 8th century BC.

The Iliad takes place in the final weeks of the long-fought Trojan War. As the Greeks fight to reclaim the beautiful Helen, King Agamemnon seizes Briseis, the concubine of Achilles. In disgust, the legendary warrior abandons the conflict, taking his men with him. The Odyssey joins the heroic Odysseus on his epic and tumultuous journey home following the fall of Troy. Having angered the sea-god Poseidon, he and his men are beset by obstacles, including a man-eating Cyclops, deadly storms, and a witch who transforms her enemies into pigs.

The translations presented in this wonderful collection are easily accessible prose editions, translated by highly-esteemed authors. The Iliad is translated by the late-Victorian novelist Samuel Butler, and The Odyssey by the adventurer - Lawrence of Arabia - T.E. Lawrence. These two epic poems have been revered for centuries, shaping the foundations of Western literature and culture. The Iliad, with its vivid depictions of the Trojan War and the heroic exploits of its characters, has long been celebrated for its poetic brilliance and enduring themes of honor, duty, and the price of war.

The Odyssey, on the other hand, follows the journey of the cunning and resourceful Odysseus as he battles supernatural forces and confronts his own flaws and desires on his long-winded voyage home. Both works are filled with memorable characters, from the mighty Achilles to the wily Odysseus, and their timeless stories continue to captivate readers and scholars alike.

This slipcased edition is a must-have for any lover of classic literature, offering a beautifully presented and accessible way to experience these literary masterpieces. The translations by Butler and Lawrence, both renowned for their literary prowess, bring the ancient Greek texts to life with clarity and elegance, making them easily approachable for modern readers. Whether you're revisiting these iconic works or discovering them for the first time, this stunning collection is sure to transport you to the mythic realms of ancient Greece and the timeless tales that have echoed through the centuries.

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