Overview
Before Greece had tragedy, comedy, history, or even formal schools, there was Homer. Greeks, young and old, learned about the realities of life by hearing separate episodes from Homer sung at public festivals, and then remembering the stories through the power of song. What they remembered was what mattered most.These epics offered bluntly honest views of life. Think of that as you are listening to Stanley Lombardo. When he performs Homer, we feel what Bob Dylan calls the 'inner substance' of great folk songs, their 'pulse and vibration and rumbling force'. We grasp the power words had before books, movies and iPods™. Homer taught the ancient Greeks about life, death, love and war. Now in Lombardo's words and voice, Homer teaches us, too.
"This gave me the opportunity to participate in a project featuring two great and important works, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and to further support the revival of Greek History and the Classics."
-Susan Sarandon, Narrator of Synopses and Introductions
Retells the events of the war between Greece and the city of Troy, focusing on Achilles' quarrel with Agamemnon.
Synopsis
Emphasizing summary and analysis, this study guide provides the necessary background for students and general readers to understand Homer's classic story. Bloom (English, Yale) introduces the text with a consideration of the significance of the work. A "story behind the story" section reports the facts known about the Trojan War and explains the lasting influence of The Iliad. The volume also contains summaries and analyses of each book, a list of characters, selections from critical essays, and an annotated bibliography. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Science Daily
If you are interested in a modern recording of an ancient classic, then I would recommend this without reservation. After listening to Lombardo, he has won me over and I'm a big fan.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars