Homer: Iliad Book VI

The first commentary in English entirely devoted to the Iliad Book 6, illuminating some of the best-loved episodes in the whole poem.

The sixth book of the Iliad includes the exchanges between Diomedes and Glaucus, and Hector and Hecuba, Paris, Helen and Andromache. The Commentary, which is suitable for undergraduates at all levels, discusses points of morphology, syntax, and prosody, and there is a comprehensive Introduction, including a section on reception.The sixth book of the Iliad includes some of the most memorable and best-loved episodes in the whole poem: it holds meaning and interest for many different people, not just students of ancient Greek. Book 6 describes how Glaukos and Diomedes, though fighting on opposite sides, recognise an ancient bond of hospitality and exchange gifts on the battlefield. It then follows Hector as he enters the city of Troy and meets the most important people in his life: his mother, Helen and Paris, and finally his wife and baby son. It is above all through the loving and fraught encounter between Hector and Andromache that Homer exposes the horror of war. This edition is suitable for undergraduates at all levels, and students in the upper forms of schools. The Introduction requires no knowledge of Greek and is intended for all readers interested in Homer.