Homer : poet of the Iliad /

This book seeks, in the words of its author, ``to combine the advantages of a general introduction to Homer and a commentary on the Iliad.'' More specifically, it aims to bring together in one volume the merits of two older works that addressed these subjects: S.E. Bassett's The Poetry of Homer (1938) and E.T. Owen's The Story of the Iliad (1946). At the same time it incorporates the important perspectives and insights of more recent scholarship. The book is divided into two substantial sections: the first part introduces the basic features of style and content in the Homeric poems, including various aspects of language and oral poetry, religion, and social context; the second part provides a set of commentaries on ten of the most prominent books of the Iliad along with connecting passages that bridge the books not covered. Each of the 30 chapters is followed by notes and chapter references, although a detailed bibliography concludes the book. All quotations from other languages are translated into English by Edwards. This is an extremely valuable and useful book. Students at all levels as well as teachers of Homer will find its contents thoughtful and accessible. Recommended for all college and university libraries.-J.C. Brown, Hartwick College

Like many recent books on the Iliad , this one attempts to introduce Homer to the uninitiated while also engaging the Greek scholar. Edwards's approach is stimulating: a detailed discussion of Homeric poetics in the first half prepares the reader for a lengthy commentary of ten out of 24 books. Such structure shows how meaning may be embedded in form, but too often the author's tabulations remain inert. Similarly, his commentary, though lively, at times fails to push criticism beyond identification of story patterns, type-scenes, and variations thereon. This book guides us through many of the poems structures but not to its greatness. Stephen Scully, Classical Studies Dept., Boston Univ. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.