Greek Myths Ulysses and the Trojan War (Greek Myths: Ulysses & the Trojan War) [Hardcover]

Jeff Anderson (Illustrator), Anna Claybourne (Narrator), Kamini Khanduri (Narrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up | Series: Greek Myths: Ulysses & the Trojan War

Homer''s famous stories of war, magic and adventure in the ancient world are retold for children using modern language. Follow the Greek army to the siege of Troy, where bravery and horror on the battlefield combine with Ulysses'' wit and cunning.'

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-10Beginning with background that sets the stage for the Trojan War, rushing headlong into battle, and rounding out with Odysseuss journeys, this book covers much ground. The original story is replayed fairly accurately, following the events of the ancient texts. Confusingly, Greek forms of names are used, except for the Roman Ulysses used for Odysseus. Attempts to use Homeric devices are occasionally seen, but for the most part, the writing is chatty. The women are silly; the goddesses are portrayed as foolish girls playing games with humans, and the powerful Zeus is too easily swayed by them. The dialogue sounds like a theater production performed at Sweet Valley High, as Aphrodite purrs and Achilles announces that hes going to Go for it! Some episodes in the tale are downplayed, as when Iphigenia is turned into a deer rather than sacrificed, but others, such as the Cyclops incident, are properly gruesome. The watercolor illustrations match the casual tone of the writing, with full-page color and black-and-white ink-wash drawings generously interspersed. This looks vaguely like comic-book art, with muscular males and well-developed females, but the details are accurate and the characters are diverse in cultural representation. For a concise, well-written retelling of these stories, see Ian Strachans The Iliad (Kingfisher, 1997) and Neil Philips The Adventures of Odysseus (Orchard, 1997). Purchase this newer title only if there is high demand for these ancient tales, as it could be useful if Greek myths are a regular segment of the curriculum.Angela J. Reynolds, West Slope Community Library, Portland, OR
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Usborne Books (September 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 079450535X
• ISBN-13: 978-0794505356
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,685,173 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars An Ideal Account of the Trojan War for Middle Schoolers, September 17, 2005

By 

Lynn D. Corum "Kansas Mom" (Lansing, KS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Greek Myths Ulysses and the Trojan War (Greek Myths: Ulysses & the Trojan War) (Hardcover)

After several tries, my 11 year old son and I have discovered this book. It is a very engaging account, highly readable, in an attractive volume with nice illustrations. Other versions, including the Puffin Books paperback, use text written in 1925 or even earlier -- dated and stuffy.