The Iliad (2006, Abridged, Compact Disc)

Homer’s epic tale spanning some 52 days of the Trojan War, has always been a more daunting read than his Odyssey. The latter, a series of related adventures befalling Odysseus as he tries to return home from battle, is characterized by exotic climes, fantastical creatures and plenty of action. The former, driven largely by dialogue, is comparatively static, involving a great deal of posturing and verbal sparring among warriors on the field, which is mirrored by the behavior of the gods and goddesses on Olympus, as they wheel and deal to champion their mortal favorites.

Because the audiobook opens with the war already ongoing, Maria Tucci sets the stage by providing historical background and reappears now and again to provide this abridgement with continuity. Robert Fagles translates the exposition of The Iliad into relatively straightforward modern English, saving the dramatic and poetic muscle for the dialogue. The result is a more approachable Iliad with warriors who speak boldly in strong, ringing voices befitting their station. In conjunction with Sir Derek Jacobi’s outstanding intelligent and fully articulated reading, the story of Troy comes gloriously alive. The audiobook is accompanied by a 62-page introductory booklet by Bernard Knox, Director Emeritus of Harvard's Center for Hellenic Studies in Washington, D.C.