I am sure Harry T. will chime in as he is one of the resident experts on Greek Classics at MR.... I would Recommend T.E. Lawrence's translation:
http://www.amazon.com/The-Odyssey-Ho.../dp/0195068181
It's excellent and it may help one who prefers to read contemporary novels instead of the classics. I read this version on my second reading of the Odyssey and enjoyed it quite a lot. One tip, if it bogs you down read it in tandem with another book ans slowly slog through it. I did this with War and Peace and other classics that I had to struggle with.
Quote:
Originally Posted by mediax
I'm a compulsive reader of contemporary fiction, who has generally struggled with "The Classics". It's a question of style, rathat than content or comprehension - I just find most classical translations are a slog, rather than a pleasure to read. That said, I recently completed (and mostly enjoyed) Samuel Butler's translation of The Iliad. Next step, The Odyssey!
However, I have recently been totally blown away by Madeline Miller's The Song of Achilles, and that set me wondering whether there might be a translation out there that's suited to my reading tastes.
I know this is an easy question to ask and almost impossible to answer blind, but I'd appreciate any suggestions for a translation that a reader of contemporary fiction (both genre and literary) is likely to find amenable. I guess I'm looking for a version in a modern prose style, but that's about as far as I've got. All suggestions gratefully received!
TIA,
Ian
|