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THE WAR THAT SHAPED WESTERN LITERATURE. One of the foundational works of world literature, The Iliad presents Homer's epic account of the Trojan War, exploring themes of heroism, honor, fate, vengeance, and the human cost of conflict. This Modern Library edition brings together the respected translation of Andrew Lang, Walter Leaf, and Ernest Myers, supplemented by an introduction from classical scholar Gilbert Highet, making the ancient epic accessible to modern readers while preserving its grandeur and narrative power. More than a tale of battle, the poem captures the competing ideals and personal struggles of warriors, kings, and gods. For centuries it has served as a cornerstone of classical education, influencing literature, art, philosophy, and military thought throughout the Western world. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Publisher's gray cloth binding with spine titles. Issued in the characteristic Modern Library dust jacket. 7.25 inches tall; 464 pages. Dust jacket lists 393 Modern Library titles on the interior panels. Modern Library number 166.2. CONDITION: Moderate shelf handling wear. The dust jacket is age-toned with slight corner loss and a clear tape-repaired closed tear along the lower edge of the front flap fold. The jacket remains complete and is now protected in a clear Mylar sleeve. A solid, attractive reading copy. HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE - Along with The Odyssey, The Iliad stands at the foundation of the Western literary tradition. Its influence extends through classical antiquity, the Renaissance, and modern literature, inspiring generations of poets, historians, dramatists, and scholars.Today the poem remains a central text in studies of mythology, ancient history, military culture, and literary tradition, continuing to resonate with readers nearly three thousand years after its composition. The Modern Library selected the work as part of its mission to make essential texts of world civilization available to a broad audience. Mid-century Modern Library editions such as this helped introduce classical literature to generations of American readers through affordable yet durable editions intended for home libraries. Attributed to Homer and composed nearly three millennia ago, The Iliad remains one of the earliest and most influential works of surviving Western literature. Centered on the wrath of Achilles during the final year of the Trojan War, the poem presents a complex portrait of courage, mortality, loyalty, and personal honor against the backdrop of legendary conflict. The Lang, Leaf, and Myers translation was among the most widely read English versions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Its literary style reflects a deliberate effort to preserve the elevated tone and epic character of the original Greek while remaining accessible to general readers. SUBJECTS: Homer, Iliad, Trojan War, Ancient Greece, Epic Poetry, Achilles, Greek Mythology, Classical Literature, Modern Library, Gilbert Highet, World Classics, Ancient Warfare, Classics, Epic Poetry, Ancient Greek Literature, Mythology, World Literature.
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