War Music: An Account of Books 16 to 19 of Homer's Iliad

I accidentally got the shortened version of War Music that covers only Books 16-19 of the Iliad, so that's what I am reviewing here. On the strength of this small part of the book, I am going to buy myself a copy of the full version. It is gorgeous. Full of phrases to treasure, like:

“Or those with everything to lose, the kings,
Asleep like pistols in red velvet.”

“Noon. In the foothills
Melons emerge from their green hidings.
Heat.”

There is a wonderful balance of still moments like these above, and momentum in action scenes, and both are captured in beautiful phrases. I was sceptical about Logue's declining to use the famous stock phrases like “rosy fingered dawn” and “wine-dark sea,” but he is so good at making his own descriptive phrases that I didn't miss those familiar ones. Judging by these three Books, this version of The Iliad is modern and ancient, readable and brilliant. I can't wait to read the whole thing.