Review Ian Johnstons new translation of the Iliad has been freely available on the Internet for the past four years and in that time has become a popular site for general readers, teachers, and students alike. And its easy to understand why. Johnstons translation is extremely faithful to Homers Greek text, and yet at the same time is characterized by a very readable English style, so much so that the clarity and fluency of this translation immediately set it apart from many other alternatives. One interesting point about the diction is that Johnston has deliberately avoided all outdated language of Medieval chivalry or ancient warfare (so there are no greaves, cuirasses, steeds, or targes in this text, no carls or bowyers, or lances). And yet, by his faithful translation of Homeric epithets and repetitions, he keeps reminding us that this poem has its origins in an ancient style. The result is an interesting and evocative synthesis of a past vision and modern sensibilities. Johnston has chosen to use a hexameter line for the narrative and a pentameter for the speeches, although he freely departs from strict adherence to a fixed pattern (at times the rhythm gets a trifle ragged). This is, one assumes, an attempt to gain both the gravitas of the longer line and the speed of the shorter one. And in this he has a good deal of success, particularly in the speeches which are almost always vigorous and dramatic. They sound like something passionate people might actually say. And he handles the Homeric similes very well, letting them unroll at length, gathering momentum as they go, so that the power described in the imagery is underscored by the movement and sound in the poetry. This style also brings out very forcefully the extraordinarily graphic and evocatively ironic battlefield deaths. It easy to understand why this translation has attracted the attention of drama companies and has led to stage productions in Philadelphia and Oxford and to a recording of the entire poem by Naxos Audiobooks. Its high time this translation was available in the form of a published book. Review by Dr Anne Leavitt, Dean Malaspina University-College -- Amazon.com Product Description Presents the centuries-old epic about the wrath of Achilles. From the Publisher The new recording of Homers The Iliad read by Anton Lesser uses a new and lively translation by Ian Johnston, a retired instructor (now a Research Associate) at Malaspina University-College, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. He comments: Translating is the ultimate close reading of a text, since one has to come to grips with it word by word, constantly asking questions of the author. Id taught the Iliad many many times, and so it seemed right that I should finally really wrestle with it at close quarters. What attracts me most about Classical literature is the vision of the world as a place vitally alive with divine presences who are always interfering with human life on every level, as often as not maliciously and for no apparent reason (other than divine desire). I find the absence of guilt (in a Christian sense) and the emphasis on status and shame immensely congenial (especially in Homer). And all the rewards and punishments that matter are in this life (no matter what Socrates might say). Professor Johnston has been translating various works for about fifteen years. I started because I wanted materials for my classes (especially in History of Science) and just kept going. I do it now because I really enjoy the close reading required. But I think translating is like filling in crossword puzzles some people just cannot understand the point, others see at once how pleasurable it can be. The Iliad took Professor Johnston four years on and off, but The Odyssey, which he has also done, took just two years. Computers make the exercise much faster because of on-line lexicons, commentaries, and so on (also I work obsessively when Im on a project). Anton Lesser is currently
The Iliad
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Author: Homer
Binding: Audio CD
ISBN: 9789626344286
Details:
Author: Homer
Brand: Naxos AudioBooks
Edition: Unabridged
Features:
- Shrink-wrapped
Binding: Audio CD
Format: Audiobook
Release Date: 01-12-2006
Package Dimensions: 5.3 x 5.3 x 2.0 inches Languages: English
EAN: 9789626344286
