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)

The Iliad made pleasurable.

I have started the Iliad several times (written version) but always stopped short after a few books. The archaic language of older translations and the interminable battle descriptions are tough to suffer through and enjoy. I finished this version and wanted more (so I progressed to the Odyssey, which I have in the past finished in written version). This work is actually meant to be listened to as a performance rather than read. This plus the combination of a translation into somewhat modern English idiom and a reader who knows it well enough to have translated it and who can read it with expression I believe is an unbeatable combination. I do have a background interest in ancient Greece and this may have colored my opinion but if you want to know the Iliad this is the best way to do it.

Another point is that the Odyssey can stand alone but I believe it is better comprehended with the Iliad as a background.

Best version on Audible

Read by the translator, with intros of each section by Susan, and overall very good for such an ancient story. I don't know if this new translation is true to the historical texts or if its been modified for easier listening, but it certainly comes across much more smoothly than another version I tried.

Homer as it should be read

It's the Illiad, foundational to western history. The narrator feels like Homer speaking in English

The Best Audio Version of the Iliad

This is easily the best audio rendition of the Iliad if for no other reason than it is not read in the hideously performative "received pronunciation" like the others. These works of classical literature deserve to be read in the voice of the people, not that of stuffy academia. Additionally, Lombardo's translation is superb. I found myself pausing the audio occasionally in order to digest his brilliant interpretation of Homer's words

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.

Great audio and easy narration!

We all have seen the movies loosely based to this book in so many different forms. It can get a little confusing between the names of the characters and the names of the cities. Sometimes you don't know which is which (lol). However, still descriptive enough for you to play out the scene in your mind. The background and foreground music and theme of chapter is great. Read out like a play in a theatre it's a lot easier to enjoy the read in comparison to other narrators and narration types. It is also a great way to begin a rabbit hole of Greek culture, mythology and history altogether. Susan Sarandon is excellent at giving you a heads up on what will happen in the coming chapter which helps a lot of the understanding to the scenes being played. However in some parts it is very redundant. So it's a flip of the coin .... If your gonna listen/read/indulge yourself into a 2,000 yr old book.... This would be the best way to do it. Other narrators put you to sleep before the end of the first chapter. Sad but true! The music is awesome and really brings together the story.