Overview

Book 18 of the Iliad is an outstanding example of the range and power of Homeric epic. It describes the reaction of the hero Achilles to the death of his closest friend, and his decision to re-enter the conflict even though it means he will lose his own life. The book also includes the forging of the marvellous shield for the hero by the smith-god Hephaestus: the images on the shield are described by the poet in detail, and this description forms the archetypal ecphrasis, influential on many later writers. In an extensive introduction, R. B. Rutherford discusses the themes, style and legacy of the book. The commentary provides line-by-line guidance for readers at all levels, addressing linguistic detail and larger questions of interpretation. A substantial appendix considers the relation between Iliad 18 and the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, which has been prominent in much recent discussion.

Full Product Details

Author:   Homer ,  R. B. Rutherford (University of Oxford)
Publisher:   Cambridge University Press
Imprint:   Cambridge University Press
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 14.20cm , Height: 1.70cm , Length: 22.30cm
Weight:   0.490kg
ISBN:  

9781107067776

ISBN 10:   1107067774
Pages:   272
Publication Date:   10 January 2019
Audience:   College/higher education ,  Professional and scholarly ,  Tertiary & Higher Education ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand  
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Book 18 and the choice of Achilles; 2. Hector; 3. The gods; 4. The shield of Achilles; 5. Homeric language and style: some important features; 6. Metre, grammar, text; Iliad 18 (ΙΛΙΑΔΟΣ Σ); Commentary; Appendix: Gilgamesh and Homer.

Reviews

'These essays ... introduce students to the main themes and characters of the Iliad ... efficient and suggestive.' Edith Foster, Exemplaria Classica

Author Information

R. B. Rutherford is Professor of Greek and Latin Literature at the University of Oxford and Student (Tutorial Fellow) of Christ Church. He has published many books and articles on Homer and other classical authors, including an edition of Books XIX and XX of the Odyssey for the Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics series.

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