[gbak]

Unfortunately, learning Greek is going to be a difficult task and as you say yourself it needs time that most people don't have. It will also NOT help you in reading the classics, Ancient Greek, although familiar with modern Greek is one of the most structured but difficult languages to master. Most of the Greek translations from Ancient to Modern are very bad pieces works that don't give justice to the original text -good translations exist but I am afraid they are not the best sellers when it comes to the classics.

What I would recommend is the series "LOEB", they have the original text and one of the best English translations available. It's also one of the best ways to learn Greek -after you learn the basics.