I have Emily Wilson’s translations of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. I will add that I found Stanley Lombardo’s Audible recording of The Iliad was very well produced. Susan Sarandon gives the introductory summary before each book and there is music and sound cues. These may sound kitschy but it actually adds nicely to Lombardo’s recitation of his translated text. You can sense that his translation is meant to be performed, not lie dead on the page. His actual text is nicely laid out, with the epithets indented and italicized. However, as far as translations go I appreciate each on their own terms. Translation is an impossible act. There’s an old French saw: “Translations are like lovers. The beautiful ones are never faithful. And the faithful ones are never beautiful.” It’s a witty saying, but I think there are some works that are very well done. However, the translation will never be what it most wants to be: the original.
Zina, have you read the Wilson translations? I have only read The Iliad so far but really liked it.
I am so impressed by translators and their skill. I found some videos interviewing both Fagles and Wilson. I have them linked on the Book Club page but it is really interesting to hear their process.
I don't read Greek either which is why I find the translation process so fascinating. There are hundreds of translations of these epics and no two are alike. It really gives you an idea of how wonderful diverse language is.
Kim, you are very welcome. I had a great time doing this. To me it is fascinating comparing the different translations. It make the whole story come alive even more.
The comparison of Wilson’s ‘cataclysmic wrath’ with Pope’s ‘direful spring’ reveals how translation transforms the poetry’s essence. Your emphasis on choosing a translation that can echo with individual readers is empowering. This insightful post bridges scholarship and accessibility, making Homer’s legacy feel alive and within reach for any reader.
EW was the first woman to translate the Odyssey, but the second to transate the Iliad
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/feb/09/new-translation-of-the-iliad-by-caroline-alexander-extract
You are most welcome! I plan to use the Alexander translation of the Iliad as (to my ear) I think it is better suited to this rather brutal epic
https://www.iliadtranslations.com/compare/alexander-vs-wilson
I agree. I already have the Wilson in The Odyssey
Yes, Wilson's translation is sublime and very readable.
I have Emily Wilson’s translations of both The Iliad and The Odyssey. I will add that I found Stanley Lombardo’s Audible recording of The Iliad was very well produced. Susan Sarandon gives the introductory summary before each book and there is music and sound cues. These may sound kitschy but it actually adds nicely to Lombardo’s recitation of his translated text. You can sense that his translation is meant to be performed, not lie dead on the page. His actual text is nicely laid out, with the epithets indented and italicized. However, as far as translations go I appreciate each on their own terms. Translation is an impossible act. There’s an old French saw: “Translations are like lovers. The beautiful ones are never faithful. And the faithful ones are never beautiful.” It’s a witty saying, but I think there are some works that are very well done. However, the translation will never be what it most wants to be: the original.
Zina, have you read the Wilson translations? I have only read The Iliad so far but really liked it.
I am so impressed by translators and their skill. I found some videos interviewing both Fagles and Wilson. I have them linked on the Book Club page but it is really interesting to hear their process.
Of the translations you provided, Fagles and Lombardo ring more of poetry. Perhaps if I were able to read ancient Greek, I'd think differentl.
I don't read Greek either which is why I find the translation process so fascinating. There are hundreds of translations of these epics and no two are alike. It really gives you an idea of how wonderful diverse language is.
Oh I love this! Thank you for doing the work of comparison. Words are so much fun (and so important)
Kim, you are very welcome. I had a great time doing this. To me it is fascinating comparing the different translations. It make the whole story come alive even more.
I will be using Emily Wilson’s translation. She sings to me as well.
Sounds great Kathryn!
The comparison of Wilson’s ‘cataclysmic wrath’ with Pope’s ‘direful spring’ reveals how translation transforms the poetry’s essence. Your emphasis on choosing a translation that can echo with individual readers is empowering. This insightful post bridges scholarship and accessibility, making Homer’s legacy feel alive and within reach for any reader.
Thanks so much Jon. That means a lot to me.
Fagles for the win! I had the opportunity to study under Peter Meineck at NYU many years ago, and Fagles was our go-to. 🙂
I love the Fagles for it's readability.
Me too! I have many fond memories of Saturday mornings curled up with a Fagles translation in Washington Square Park.
Fables and Lombardo have been my favorites, but I am now reading Emily Wilson’s translation and enjoying it very much.
I enjoy Wilson's translation as well. It is nicely done
I've enjoyed Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey. But Pope is always fun, too.
Hours of fun here:
https://bibliothekai.ktema.org/texts/2/translations/
and here as well
https://www.reddit.com/r/classics/comments/l7yl6h/every_modern_iliad_translation_compared/
A critique of the Wilson translation
https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/11/emily-wilson-iliad-translation-homer/675444/
and more hours of fun
https://www.iliadtranslations.com/
These resources are fantastic. Thank you for sharing them.
Looking forward to a year with Homer, Matthew...Thanks!!