Author Description

As fewer and fewer people learn to read ancient Greek, there is a need for a critical study of the most influential translations that have been made from the major works of ancient Greek literature. Masonâ€s monograph offers exactly that for readers of the "Iliad" and the "Odyssey." More particularly, he presents a persuasive argument for reading Alexander Popeâ€s translation, his accompanying notes, and his Essay on Criticism. These merit careful study, for they illuminate Popeâ€s principles as a translator and constitute one of the most intelligent and penetrating commentaries on the poetic qualities of the epics ever written in English. Masonâ€s new insights, along with his stringent and lively comments, will bring readers closer to a real understanding of Homer, whether they read him in the original or come to him in translation for the first time. They will also find here a masterly appreciation of Pope.