The Folio Society has released a breathtaking new edition of Madeline Miller’s celebrated 2011 novel, ‘The Song of Achilles’, which is introduced by classicist Emily Wilson and illustrated by Julie Dillon.
A contemporary literary phenomenon, ‘The Song of Achilles’ has enraptured readers globally. The author successfully intertwines romance, mythology and adventure against the vivid backdrop of Ancient Greece. Serving as a reimagining of Homer’s epic poem ‘The Iliad’, Miller’s remarkable debut novel delves into the Trojan War narrative from the perspective of Patroclus. He is the closest companion to the legendary hero, Achilles. Despite their disparate backgrounds, Patroclus, an exiled prince, forges an improbable bond with the noble Achilles. As they evolve into formidable warriors, their connection deepens, paralleled by the escalating disapproval of Achilles’s mother, Thetis. With the abduction of Helen of Sparta igniting the war with Troy, Achilles is called by destiny, taking Patroclus on a journey of love and trepidation that will strain their bond to its very limits.
Hailing from New York City and Philadelphia, Madeline Miller’s academic pursuits in classics at Brown University laid the groundwork for her magnum opus, ‘The Song of Achilles’. The novel is a labour of love spanning a decade, and it won her the prestigious Orange Prize for fiction. Following this triumph, Miller’s subsequent novel, ‘Circe’ (2018), became an instant New York Times bestseller and is currently in development for television by HBO Max. With her works translated into twenty-five languages and her essays gracing publications such as the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, Miller has become a leading literary writer of our time.
The edition is richly embellished by the masterful colour illustrations of award-winning artist Julie Dillon. ‘The Song of Achilles’ exudes elegance from its binding to its slipcase. Dillon’s evocative artwork, comprising five full-page illustrations and a double-page spread, seamlessly intertwines with the narrative, enriching the timeless saga of love, camaraderie, and fate.
Accompanying this edition is an exclusive introduction by acclaimed classicist Emily Wilson. The historian offers fresh perspectives on Miller’s enduring modern masterpiece.
The Folio Society’s new edition of ‘The Song of Achilles’ pays homage to Miller’s opus. It is meticulously crafted with attention to detail. Each element of design ensures a captivating journey for readers while remaining true to the essence of Miller’s original work.
The Folio Society edition of Madeline Miller’s ‘The Song of Achilles’ is exclusively available at www.foliosociety.com.
