Homeric Soundings The Shaping of the Iliad [Paperback]

TheIliadcame into existence to be heard from start to finish. While this is generally accepted in theory, the poem has not been properly studied in light of what this means in practice. Many connections, which are not obvious when the poem is read, become prominent if it is approached as an oral and aural creation, particularly if the poem is divided into three segments, probably a product of three night-long sessions of performance. This book contends that the shapings that these soundings, or sample explorations, bring into focus extend from details of wording and theme to the entire moral, religious, and political significance of theIliad.

At its best,Homeric Soundingsis rich, rewarding and provocative. --Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Convincingly and forcefully the author demonstrates the inseparability of form and content. --Choice