The 'red Macmillan' in the edition of W. Leaf, which had served since the 1880s, was replaced by this classic two-volume edition of M.M. Willcock. Coverage of twelve books of the in each volume demands a concise introduction and commentary. The editor also includes, for example, mention of significant aspects of Homeric diction more fully in the early lines of each book, so that the student may begin on any particular line. Although the book is designed for students at sixth form and undergraduates, the tight compass of these books does not prevent the editor engaging in - or referring to - problems of composition or text addressed by more advanced scholars.