Best Ancient & Classical Poetry Books of 2025

The Odyssey, translated by Robert Fagles, is a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance. The epic poem tells the story of Odysseus' ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War, where he relies on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces. Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom, making it an Odyssey to read aloud, savor, and treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's superb introduction and textual commentary provide insightful background information for the general reader and scholar alike. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition is a must-read for classic literature lovers.

The Iliad, translated by Emily Wilson, is a landmark classic literature and fiction book. Wilson's translation of Homer's epic poem is masterfully rendered, offering a fresh and unpretentious contemporary idiom that brings the characters to life in a palpable and complex way. The work is exciting and often horrifying, with battle scenes roaring with the clamor of arms and the anguished cries of dying men. Wilson's Iliad gives readers a complete Homer for our generation, capping a decade of intense engagement with the poetry. This book is a must-read for lovers of classic literature and those looking for a fresh take on a timeless classic.

The Odyssey is a classic poem about war, family, and the yearning for home. Emily Wilson’s translation is a masterpiece, capturing the beauty of the ancient poem and its unforgettable characters. The hero, with his many disguises and moods, emerges as a more fully rounded human being than ever before. The translation is written in iambic pentameter verse and a contemporary idiom that echoes Homer’s music. The introduction explores the poem’s major themes, controversies about its origins, and its impact. The book includes maps, a pronunciation glossary, and extensive notes. This translation will change the way the poem is read in English.

This deluxe hardbound edition of the Greatest Works of Edgar Allan Poe is a must-have for any fan of the Gothic short story writer. The compilation includes some of his timeless masterpieces, such as ‘The Raven’ and ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, as well as his essays, reviews and letters. Each work is preceded by an editorial note, giving readers a deeper insight into Poe's life and literary career. The beautifully crafted hardbound edition is perfect for gifting, making it a prized addition to any library. Overall, Poe's works continue to captivate and scare readers more than a century and a half after his death.

The Iliad, translated by Robert Fagles, is a timeless poem that vividly conveys the horror and heroism of men and gods during the Trojan War. Fagles brings contemporary language to this enduring heroic epic, maintaining the drive and metric music of Homer’s poetry. The book features French flaps and deckle-edged paper, making it a must-have for any literature lover’s collection. Overall, this Penguin Classics Deluxe edition is a great addition to any library, providing authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors.

The "Collected Works of Kahlil Gibran" is a beautifully crafted and designed hardbound book that contains a priceless collection of some of the most notable works of this celebrated poet, including "The Prophet," "The Wanderer," "The Madman," and "The Broken Wings." Gibran's works deal with spiritual love, joy and sorrow, marriage, children, and death, with a strong element of mysticism influenced by Islam, Christianity, theosophy, and Judaism. This edition is perfect for gifting or keeping as a prized addition to any library.

Looking for a collection of the most famous English poems? Look no further than "150 Most Famous Poems." This anthology includes works from Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, William Shakespeare, Edgar Allan Poe, Walt Whitman, and many more. Dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, these masterpieces of English literature continue to inspire and influence people all over the world. The book is the perfect gift for poetry lovers, literature students, and teachers or to complete your own book collection. Overall, this anthology is a must-have for anyone interested in English poetry.

Enheduana: The Complete Poems of the World's First Author is a groundbreaking book that introduces the world's first known author, Enheduana, and her hymns to the modern reader. Translated from the original Sumerian, these poems are a rare glimpse into the female voice in the male-dominated ancient world. The themes of exile, war, and nature's power are as relevant today as they were four thousand years ago. The book includes translations by Sophus Helle, who provides historical context, literary structure and themes, and their reception in both ancient and modern times. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in literary history, women's studies, religion, and gender.

The Epic of Gilgamesh, translated by N. K. Sandars, is a timeless tale that dates back to the third millennium BC. The story follows Gilgamesh, the King of Uruk, and his companion Enkidu on their journey to defeat mythical creatures and find eternal life. Sandars provides a lucid and accessible translation, complemented by a detailed introduction and a glossary of names. This Penguin Classic is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and ancient history.

The Battle of Maldon is a standalone edition of one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most important poetic dramas. It explores the nature of heroism and chivalry during war. The book features previously unpublished and never-before-seen texts and drafts. The Battle of Maldon is widely considered one of the defining conflicts of tenth-century England, due to its immortalization in the poem. Tolkien considered it “the last surviving fragment of ancient English heroic minstrelsy.” Peter Grybauskas presents for the very first time Tolkien’s own prose translation of The Battle of Maldon together with the definitive treatment of The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth and its accompanying essays. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in ancient and classical poetry.