Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles has enthralled readers with its blend of romance, mythology, and adventure, offering a fresh retelling of The Iliad through the eyes of Patroclus, the devoted companion to Achilles. This remarkable debut explores their deepening relationship amidst the trials of war and divine disapproval. As Helen’s abduction leads to the Trojan War, Patroclus embarks on a journey filled with love and fear, testing their bond to the utmost.
The Folio Society’s new edition of The Song of Achilles is a true celebration of this literary masterpiece. Enhanced by Julie Dillon’s award-winning illustrations, the book features a glorious binding and slipcase, along with five full-page images and a captivating double-page spread. Each illustration, created in collaboration with Madeline Miller, faithfully captures the spirit and emotion of the original narrative.
This edition also includes an exclusive introduction by acclaimed classicist Emily Wilson, who praises Miller’s exceptional storytelling and shares her admiration for the novel’s enduring magic. Wilson’s insights offer readers a deeper understanding of the novel’s timeless appeal, thirteen years after its initial release.
Madeline Miller, who studied classics at Brown University, wrote The Song of Achilles over ten years while teaching Latin and Greek. Her debut won the Orange Prize for Fiction, and her subsequent novel, Circe, became a New York Times bestseller and is being adapted for television. Miller’s works have been translated into twenty-five languages, and her essays have appeared in prominent publications like the Guardian, Wall Street Journal, and Washington Post.
Julie Dillon, an illustrator from the Pacific Northwest, brings her acclaimed artistic talents to this edition. A graduate in fine arts from Sacramento State University, Dillon’s work has garnered numerous awards, including the Hugo for Best Professional Artist. Her illustrations for The Folio Society also include those for Lord Dunsany’s The King of Elfland’s Daughter.
The Folio Society’s edition of The Song of Achilles is available exclusively through their website for £60, embodying meticulous attention to detail and a deep reverence for Miller’s evocative prose.
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