CHAPMAN'S HOMER

George Chapmans translations of Homer are among the most famous in the English language. Keats immortalized the work of the Renaissance dramatist and poet in the sonnet On First Looking into Chapmans Homer. Swinburne praised the translations for their romantic and sometimes barbaric grandeur, their freshness, strength, and inextinguishable fire. The great critic George Saintsbury (1845-1933) wrote: For more than two centuries they were the resort of all who, unable to read Greek, wished to know what Greek was. Chapman is far nearer Homer than any modern translator in any modern language. This volume presents the original text of Chapmans translation of the Odyssey (1614-15), making only a small number of modifications to punctuation and wording where they might confuse the modern reader. The editor, Allardyce Nicoll, provides an introduction, textual notes, a glossary, and a commentary. Garry Willss preface to the Odyssey explores how Chapmans less strained meter lets him achieve more delicate poetic effects as compared to the Iliad. Wills also examines Chapmans fine touch in translating the warm and human sense of comedy in the Odyssey. Oft of one wide expanse had I been toldThat deep-browed Homer ruled as his demesne;Yet did I never breathe its pure sereneTill I heard Chapman speak out loud and bold.--John Keats