The Iliad

Anton Lesser gives a successful and engaging presentation of one the world's oldest stories. Johnston's modern translation maintains several traditions of the ancient rhetorical style, and Lesser honors the patterns of repeated names and titles without hurrying or rushing through the many honorifics. Lesser smoothly moves from narrating the action to voicing the different characters. He doesn't overplay the difference between men and women, gods and goddesses, but makes minor adjustments in his tone or pace to suggest the nature of the character. Lesser's British accent is pleasing, and his pronunciation of Greek place names and characters is accurate. R.F. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine


To listen to a good translation of Homer's works artfully rendered by a skilled oral interpreter is always a delight to a spoken-word audiophile. The spirit of the original rhapsodes (literally, stitchers of tales), who were able to "sing" the stories of Achilles, Odysseus, and the battle of Troy while accompanying themselves with a lyre, is now being reborn with wonderful recorded versions. IN Audio's production of Homer's complete work is a very acceptable choice. Using Samuel Butler's nineteenth-century translation, John Lescault's narration is polished and clear, with subdued vocal characterizations. At times Lescault does sound a bit liturgical, as if he were intoning a sacred text in a cathedral instead of entertaining a relaxed company of imbibing guests in a marble palace. Still, the story is so strong that listeners can easily lose themselves in a time when gods and men fought for the beautiful Helen. P.W. (c) AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine


This excellent abridgment achieves the rare distinction of rendering the whole work more accessible. The sharpened narrative arc increases the emotional intensity of this most ancient and exciting of war stories, yet all the most moving speeches remain. Atmospheric details abound. Narrator Anton Lesser inhabits the characters--men and gods--speaking their words with fluidity. Only the first few books seem rushed. Characters are mentioned in quick succession; one almost envisions the Achaeans and Trojans trotting from their locker rooms onto the field as their names and positions are announced. Once introduced, however, the warriors battle to their honorable ends, and the listener is gripped by the story's unrelenting pace. Orchestral selections herald each segment, highlighting the gravity and profundity of the poem's themes. J.L.B. (c) AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine