Best Epic Poetry Books of 2025

Bea Wolf is a modern middle-grade graphic novel that retells the story of Beowulf in a unique and funny way. The plot revolves around a group of kids who must defend their tree house from a neighbor who can turn children into adults. The book is filled with richly evocative phrases and charming illustrations that children will love. It is a perfect blend of words and art that makes for an enjoyable read for both kids and adults. The book is an excellent addition to the Children's Norse Literature Books category, and it is highly recommended for anyone looking for a hilarious and entertaining retelling of a classic story.

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a literary masterpiece, taking readers on a journey through the depths of Hell, the trials of Purgatory, and the glory of Paradise. This edition combines all three canticles in one volume, translated by John Ciardi. The translations are praised for their sensitivity and passion, presenting Dante's work in a credible and noble manner. Overall, The Divine Comedy is a dazzling work of sublime truth and mystical intensity that deserves its place among the great works of literature.

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.

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 Aeneid, translated by Robert Fagles, is a retelling of Virgil's epic poem that follows Aeneas, a Trojan hero, on his journey to found Rome. Along the way, Aeneas faces many obstacles, including a tragic love affair and battles with vengeful gods. Fagles's translation captures the original's poetry and myth, while also infusing it with a contemporary cadence. The book features an introduction by scholar Bernard Knox that provides valuable context for readers. Overall, this Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition is a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and a great addition to any bookshelf.

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 Door of No Return is the first book in a trilogy that tells the story of Kofi, an 11-year-old boy living in a village in Upper Kwanta. After a tragic event, Kofi finds himself on a journey across land and sea, away from everything he loves. Inspired by Ghanaian history, this spellbinding novel in verse by Newbery Medal and Coretta Scott King Award-winning author Kwame Alexander is an excellent choice for independent reading, sharing in the classroom, homeschooling, and book groups. The Door of No Return is a masterful work of storytelling that moves readers with joy, fear, sadness, hope, and love for the brave, resilient boy at its heart.

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.