Iliad

By: Homer, Stanley Lombardo - translator

Narrated by: Stanley Lombardo, Susan Sarandon - introduction

Length: 15 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

The first of Homer's great epic poems, the Iliad portrays the final days of the Trojan war. The Iliad has stood the test of time and is still one of (it not the) best depictions of ancient warfare. It is an essential precursor to the infamous journey of Odysseus.

Translated and Narrated by Stanley Lombardo. Introduction by Susan Sarandon.

©1997 Hackett Publishing Company (P)2006 Parmenides Publishing

Critic reviews

"Lombardo's Iliad both sings to 21st century ears and holds true to Homer's original vision; the blind bard would be proud." ( Publishers Weekly)

Good for first timers

I am not a scholar in Greek mythology and found this audiobook very easy to get into straight away. Susan Sarandon gives a synposis for each of the 20+ chapters, so you get the story twice, which is great for first timers like myself.
Listening to the Iliad was an amazing experience as you are listening to a story that was written over 2000 years ago. Sure, if someone wrote this book today, it wouldn't make the shelves unlike the Odyssey, which probably could. And if you aren't a fan of gore, then give this one a miss and go straight to the Odyssey.
The translation and narration were good but I gave it 4 stars because I am a traditionalist when it comes to the classics. Some of the translation is in modern language.
After listening to this one, I gave John Lee's narration of the Odyssey a go. I much preferred it to this audiobook, but I should say that the Odyssey is a much better story too.

Amazing!

What made the experience of listening to Iliad the most enjoyable?

1. Lombardo's well-adapted translation
2. His masterful narration paired with his understanding of the language and culture of the Iliad (after all, he is both the translator and narrator, which shows)
3. The content of the story itself

What was one of the most memorable moments of Iliad?

I still have four books to go to the end, but so far, I'd say Achilles returning to battle

What about Stanley Lombardo and Susan Sarandon ’s performance did you like?

Can't say much about Susan Sarandon's performance since she participates very little; however her pleasant, professional voice is a breath of fresh air at the beginning of every chapter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Probably Achilles wailing over Patroclas' dead body.

Any additional comments?

This is probably the best edition of the Iliad on Audible. Cheers to Lombardo.

Annual Read

There are only two books I read annually: The Bible and The Iliad. Both provide insights to the culture, economics, and religion of the ancient world. The Iliad provides new insights and phrases I later go and research. As a hobby I study ancient Greek. Just as this book provides a remembrance of greatness, Arete, it inspires me to always do my best and fulfill Arete. Sure the violence may not fit today's culture, but the wisdom of Nestor, the strategy of Odysseus, the persistence of Telamon Ajax, the fatherhood of Hector, the destiny for Aeneas, and the power of Peleus's peerless son provide ideals to reach for. As I tell my students ad nauseum, Always do your Best in character and action. This book grips my Greco-Roman-phile heart. I would sleep with it under my pillow if I could.

I also tried to get my boys' middle names to be Achilles and/or Antilochus. The wife would have none of it. The wife at least approved of two other ancient inspired names.

classic must- hear

impressed that i can say i completed this novel! incredible performance by the Stanley Lombardo

Thrilling and Immersive

Lombardo's narration is a true testament to his skill and passion for storytelling. From the very first lines, his deep and resonant voice commands attention and instantly transports listeners to the battlefield of Troy. With every word, he weaves a vivid tapestry of emotions, bringing the characters to life and infusing the narrative with the power it deserves. Lombardo's ability to capture the essence of each character is remarkable, making them distinct and relatable, regardless of whether they are gods or mortals. Prepare to be enthralled and inspired by the enduring power of The Iliad.

THIS is the way Homer was meant to be LISTENED to

I bought both Stanley Lomabardo's Illiad and Odessey. I have many translations of Homer ...Fitzgerald, Fagles etc ... and have begun them all. Finished none. Something always bothered me. Finally realizing they seemed "contrived". Reading them also seemed ... wrong. Unatural. Forced rhymes and did not ring true. Admittedly subjective ...but then ...THAT is art. Homer was spoken ...even performed. Yes it's all been said but ... I speaking Italian fluently and realize translating Italian poetry to English in the same meter with forced rhymes (English famously not as Poetic as Italian or Greek) is iffy at best. I am also a writer of poetry, music and musician. With Stanley Lombardo it sounds "natural." Unforced. And ...most importantly, natural, understandable and entertaining which were and are the first principles of any entertainer. With which Homer was certainly most concerned. Closing my eyes ...with a "wine dark glass with cut apples and pears" soaking in it and a good cigar) outside. THIS is as close to imagining Homer reciting. This is how life should be lived.

Brilliantly performed by Stanley Lombardo

One of the greatest epics of World Literature given a fantastic translation and performance by Stanley Lombardo. Although I'm not breaking new ground in commenting this, I was struck by how contemporary "The Iliad" is in its depiction of the ravages and sometimes folly of War. The descriptions of battle are - appropriately - as gruesome as anything in the first few minutes of Saving Private Ryan. In a brilliant touch, almost every man killed throughout the story gets his history briefly told in a few lines, which works as a way of putting all these brutal deaths into context. The men who die have families far away who will mourn for them, who will be ruined and devastated by their deaths.
Of course, The Iliad is dominated by the great, legendary characters of Achiles, Hector, Odyseus, Agamemnon, Priamus, Andromache, Paris, Helen, Priamus and Hecuba, among others. Stanley Lombardo translation is fast moving and fast paced, and invariably suspenseful, which makes a great service to the modern reader/listener in illuminating the way War has played a crucial role in human history.
Despite different modern and more classical readings, I don't think the book is either pro-war or anti-war, it is just brilliant, and in that way it shows how senseless war can be, but also how vital a role courage and honour play in battle, and how high the stakes are. Homer does not take sides (as do the Gods) and recognizes the courage and the arrogance on both sides.
The riveting storytelling and the astonishing complexity will keep you fascinated.
It is thrilling to hear this epic as it was recounted through oral tradition through many generations. I look forward to more Stanley Lombardo translations and performances of classical works .

A Welcome Translation

This is a good translation in modern-day English. And beautifully read by the translator.

The Best New Translation on the Market

Not only does this translation bring the text into the modern era, but it weaves the poetry into the story beautifully. The characters are so real and the story still so bold, that you will not want to stop listening. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Wonderful production as well.

Called a Classic for a reason

For years I was intimidated by the Illiad but this version was very easy to read and understand. The summary of each book read by Susan Sarandon was very helpful. The narration was terrific. I did not particularly care for the long musical interlude between the summary and the text of each book but it’s easy to skip over. I’m looking forward to starting the Odyssey.