In Wilson's Odyssey (I haven't seen the new Iliad yet), the notes on translation will transform your understanding of every translation you read, and the notes

In Wilson's Odyssey (I haven't seen the new Iliad yet), the notes on translation will transform your understanding of every translation you read, and the notes on xenia (~ hospitality, but much beyond that) will transform your understanding of ancient Greek culture, including both works - I don't think you can understand the works without that knowledge.