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The Iliad, by the Greek poet Homer, is an epic poem set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. It narrates the scenes of battles between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles. Summary Of The Book Iliad is basically a story of the siege of Troy and it begins nine years after the arrival of the Greek army at Troy. The word Iliad comes from the word Ilion, which is another name for Troy. When King Agamemnon refuses to return the daughter of a priest of Apollo, a plague inflicts the Greek army. However, Agamemnon agrees to return the girl on the condition that Achilles gives him Briseis in return. Achilles withdraws from the battle in disgust. What ensues is a series of adventures, wars, and quarrels. Homer’s Iliad is divided into a series of twenty-four chapters. As readers proceed from one chapter to another, they are taken from one adventurous plot to another. In addition to this, they are also introduced to a series of interesting characters ranging from the Archaeans, the Trojans, different Gods and Goddesses, Achilles, and Patroclus. Different themes are woven together to produce the story of The Iliad. It is a story of pride, fate, honor, war, wrath, and love. Homer introduces many Gods and Goddesses in this epic. He takes readers to the depth of the Greek culture. Various historical events are emphasised upon. The toughest part of The Iliad is perhaps the interpretation of the language. However, it is also the main essence of the Iliad and is the reason for its immense popularity. The Iliad is truly an entertaining story. As epic poetry mingled with tragedy, war, and drama, it provides insight into the different aspects of war as well as of the people. This edition is a 2012 reprint by Collins Classics. About Homer Homer is held in high esteem for being one of the greatest ancient epic poets of the Greek civilization. Homer is known for Odyssey, one of his epic poems. He had a profound writing style. To understand the Homeric language is to learn a new language altogether. He is adept in the use of the Hexameter verse. Though there is no factual evidence yet it commonly said that he was the son of Epikaste and Telemachus from Homer’s poem, Odyssey. There is not much known about Homer, though there was a satirist by the name of Lucian who used to described him as a Babylonian called Tigranes. He lived sometime during 8th Century BC.