"The Trojan War and Its Aftermath: Four Epic Poems Retold" by David Bruce is a captivating retelling of the timeless tales surrounding the legendary conflict of the Trojan War and its far-reaching consequences. Drawing from ancient sources such as Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey," as well as other classical works, Bruce weaves together a rich tapestry of myths, heroes, and gods to create a compelling narrative that brings the ancient world to life. Through vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail, Bruce guides readers through the epic events of the Trojan War, from the famed duel between Achilles and Hector to the cunning stratagems of Odysseus and the tragic fall of Troy. Along the way, he introduces readers to a host of unforgettable characters, from the valorous warriors to the cunning goddesses, each with their own motivations and desires. But Bruce's narrative doesn't end with the fall of Troy; instead, he explores the aftermath of the war and its impact on the heroes and heroines who survived. From the trials of Odysseus as he struggles to find his way home to the tragic fate of the Trojan women, Bruce delves deep into the human drama and emotional resonance of these timeless stories, revealing the enduring power of myth to illuminate the human condition.

A study of the ways in which British poets of the First World War used classical literature, culture, and history as a source of images, ideas, and even phrases for their own poetry. Elizabeth Vandiver offers a new perspective on that poetry and on the history of classics in British culture.

This classic novel of the closing days of the Trojan War is being published to coincide with the Signet Classic conversion of The Odssey. This translation has been praised by the Times Literary Supplement and the New York Times Book Review.

This book examines Latin narratives produced in the aftermath of the First Crusade and challenges the narrative of supposed brutality and amorality of warfare in this period--instead focusing on the moral and didactic concerns surrounding warfare and violence with which medieval authors wrestled. The battle oration, a rousing harangue exhorting warriors to deeds of valour, has been regarded as a significant aspect of warfare since the age of Xenophon, and has continued to influence conceptions of campaigning and combat to the present day. While its cultural and chronological pervasiveness attests to the power of this trope, scholarly engagement with the literary phenomenon of the pre-battle speech has been limited. Moreover, previous work on medieval battle rhetoric has only served to reinforce the supposed brutality and amorality of warfare in this period, highlighting appeals to martial prowess, a hatred for ‘the enemy’ and promises of wealth and glory. This book, through an examination of Latin narratives produced in the aftermath of the First Crusade and the decades that followed, challenges this understanding and illuminates the moral and didactic concerns surrounding warfare and violence with which medieval authors wrestled. Furthermore, while battle orations form a clear mechanism by which the fledgling crusading movement could be explored ideologically, this comparative study reveals how non-crusading warfare in this period was also being reconceptualised in light of changing ideas about just war, authority and righteousness in Christian society. This volume is perfect for researchers, students and scholars alike interested in medieval history and military studies.

A New York Times–bestselling novel of the ancient king of Macedon and his lover by the author Hilary Mantel calls “a shining light.” The Persian Boy centers on the most tempestuous years of Alexander the Great’s life, as seen through the eyes of his lover and most faithful attendant, Bagoas. When Bagoas is very young, his father is murdered and he is sold as a slave to King Darius of Persia. Then, when Alexander conquers the land, he is given Bagoas as a gift, and the boy is besotted. This passion comes at a time when much is at stake—Alexander has two wives, conflicts are ablaze, and plots on the Macedon king’s life abound. The result is a riveting account of a great conqueror’s years of triumph and, ultimately, heartbreak. The Persian Boy is the second volume of the Novels of Alexander the Great trilogy, which also includes Fire from Heaven and Funeral Games. This ebook features an illustrated biography of Mary Renault including rare images of the author. “Mary Renault is a shining light to both historical novelists and their readers. She does not pretend the past is like the present, or that the people of ancient Greece were just like us. She shows us their strangeness; discerning, sure-footed, challenging our values, piquing our curiosity, she leads us through an alien landscape that moves and delights us.” —Hilary Mantel

This is a retelling in novel form of the Latin epic poem "Aeneid" by Virgil. My theme is war and a particular man-a man driven by destiny to abandon Troy and sail to western Italy to fulfill his fate of founding the people who would build Rome. Fulfilling his destiny was not easy. Juno, the wife of Jupiter, the king of gods and men, opposed him, as did many warriors. They did not want him to bring his household gods-the Penates-to Latium on the western coast of Italy, to found the city of Lavinium, and to marry Lavinia and become the ancestor of the Romans.

The most remarkable and affecting book of poetry I encountered this year. James Wood, The New Yorker