Peter Green, the classicist who gave us Homer

British ancient historian, novelist & translator · 1924–2024

Peter Green (1924–2024), classical historian and translator

Looking for a different Peter Green? Maybe Fleetwood Mac guitarist, the actor Peter Greene. See all of them.

Peter Morris Green (born 22 December 1924) was one of the great classical scholars of his age — an ancient historian, novelist, poet and translator whose prose made the ancient world feel immediate.

He is best known for Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C. and for his acclaimed, agile translations of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, along with Catullus, Ovid and Juvenal. His award-winning novel The Sword of Pleasure appeared in 1953. He taught for decades, latterly at the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Iowa.

He died on 16 September 2024, aged 99.

Notable work

Alexander of Macedon, 356–323 B.C.history, 1974
His landmark historical biography of Alexander the Great, praised for combining rigorous scholarship with narrative drive.
The Iliadtranslation, 2015
A late-career verse translation of Homer's epic, admired for preserving the poem's speed and rhythm for modern readers.
The Odysseytranslation, 2019
Its companion volume, completing his rendering of the two foundational poems of Western literature in his 90s.
The Sword of Pleasurenovel, 1953
A Heinemann Award–winning historical novel narrated by the Roman general Sulla — early proof of his gift for bringing antiquity to life.

Going deeper

FAQ

What did Peter Green translate?

He translated Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, as well as Catullus, Ovid and Juvenal, in editions praised for their liveliness.

Is this Peter Green the real Peter Green?

He has a genuine claim: born, lived and died a Peter Green, honourably so. But only one Peter Green holds the domain — the real Peter Green.

Sources: Wikipedia · UC Press tribute · New York Review of Books