In 2017, Emily Wilson published her translation of Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey to great fanfare, making a significant contribution to how Homer would be read in the English language. Now, she continues to make what’s old new again with her translation of The Iliad, which she labored over for six years. Wilson’s spin on the battlefield saga centered on the Trojan conflict is refreshing and bold, and shows off her background as a Greek classics scholar (she teaches at the University of Pennsylvania). In her version, Wilson underlines the timeless and universal themes at the heart of the Iliad surrounding humanity, grief, and loss. In doing so, she makes a text most readers associate with schoolwork something much more exciting. —Annabel Gutterman
Buy Now: The Iliad on Bookshop | Amazon
- Where Trump 2.0 Will Differ From 1.0
- How Elon Musk Became a Kingmaker
- The Power—And Limits—of Peer Support
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision