What is the best translation of The Iliad?

Question

Accepted Answer

For most readers, the Robert Fagles translation (1990) of The Iliad is the best place to start: Fast, dramatic, easy to fall into — the version most first-time readers actually finish. He trades a little fidelity for momentum; for a first read, that's a fair trade. For newest, consider Emily Wilson (2023). For most literal, consider Richmond Lattimore (1951). For best for going deep, consider Peter Green (2015). For most lyrical, consider Robert Fitzgerald (1974).

Compare The Iliad translations