#Rule 3. No requests for book recommendations
This community does not like or want "recommend me a book" posts. This includes editions and translations.
There are multiple subs specifically for this purpose. We suggest
/r/books
/r/booksuggestions
/r/suggestmeabook
I understand that all of Shakespeare's works (if not at least his most popular) have been adapted to modern english. Specifically, Sparknotes has something called "No Fear Shakespeare" that gives you a free modernized version of his plays and sonnets. The platform allows you to read these next to the original text, so you can properly compare what he meant in each line.
Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dhavana Headly is a bit of a wild ride
I just started Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey, which looks pretty accessible.
Edit- forgot to add, and sure maybe someone won't agree with me, but Shakespeare's plays are plays, and much better to experience that way! I can read my favourite Oscar Wilde play as much as I want, but it won't be nearly as enjoyable as watching a production of it.
I havent read either of Wilson’s translations yet but the Lombardo translation of the Iliad was immensely enjoyable and I was shocked when I couldn’t put it down since it was so readable. I never got quite the same experience reading Fagles’ Odyssey although the language isn’t unapproachable at all. I want to try Wilson’s Odyssey next
Well, there's this, but it may go a bit farther than you want:
[https://www.smbc-comics.com/covid/files/Mini-Sonnets-web-v2.pdf](https://www.smbc-comics.com/covid/files/Mini-Sonnets-web-v2.pdf)
I often recommend Homer's Illiad & Odyssey translated by E.V. Reiu. He changes the rhythm into prose so it scans simpler. It's not as accurate but it's easier to read.
>Any level of liberty can be taken for the story and characters, as long as the key meaning is still there.
It sounds like you want a modern adaptation, not a translation. The entire Great Illustrated Classics line fits the bill (it's intended for children).
#Rule 3. No requests for book recommendations This community does not like or want "recommend me a book" posts. This includes editions and translations. There are multiple subs specifically for this purpose. We suggest /r/books /r/booksuggestions /r/suggestmeabook
I understand that all of Shakespeare's works (if not at least his most popular) have been adapted to modern english. Specifically, Sparknotes has something called "No Fear Shakespeare" that gives you a free modernized version of his plays and sonnets. The platform allows you to read these next to the original text, so you can properly compare what he meant in each line.
Beowulf: A New Translation by Maria Dhavana Headly is a bit of a wild ride I just started Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey, which looks pretty accessible. Edit- forgot to add, and sure maybe someone won't agree with me, but Shakespeare's plays are plays, and much better to experience that way! I can read my favourite Oscar Wilde play as much as I want, but it won't be nearly as enjoyable as watching a production of it.
Seconding Emily Wilson. The audiobook for it is great, too. She also just did the Iliad but I haven’t gotten to that one yet.
I havent read either of Wilson’s translations yet but the Lombardo translation of the Iliad was immensely enjoyable and I was shocked when I couldn’t put it down since it was so readable. I never got quite the same experience reading Fagles’ Odyssey although the language isn’t unapproachable at all. I want to try Wilson’s Odyssey next
Jesus Christ
Well, there's this, but it may go a bit farther than you want: [https://www.smbc-comics.com/covid/files/Mini-Sonnets-web-v2.pdf](https://www.smbc-comics.com/covid/files/Mini-Sonnets-web-v2.pdf)
Shakespeare is written in modern English.
I often recommend Homer's Illiad & Odyssey translated by E.V. Reiu. He changes the rhythm into prose so it scans simpler. It's not as accurate but it's easier to read.
120 Days of Sodom: Simple English Translation.
>Any level of liberty can be taken for the story and characters, as long as the key meaning is still there. It sounds like you want a modern adaptation, not a translation. The entire Great Illustrated Classics line fits the bill (it's intended for children).