Customer Reviews

The Odyssey (Barnes & Noble Classics)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This was my first epic adventure, and I was pleased to discover that this translation (Palmer) is arranged in prose rather than poetic stanzas. Very easy to read. Squillace, the editor, contributes admirably by introducing contemporary terms and descriptions that do not detract from the greater work. Were you to ask me which terms were his and which belonged to Palmer's original 1927(9?) translation, I'd have to search, they are that seamless. The Introduction is much better read at the end of the book that before you begin. The footnotes are very interesting, I recommend reading through them all at once (there aren't too many) than flipping to them every time they appear. Keeps the story moving, that way, and they are not critical to the plot. The discussion questions at the end are pretty weak. If only there was a copy of 'the Illiad' to accompany this version of the Odyssey...a terrific story. Highly recommended.

This particular translation of the Odyssey was enjoyable. The plot is classic and numerous other authors have ripped off the plot/format and appropriated it, like Virgil's Aeneid. The parts with Telemachus are kind of boring, but the last half or so of the poem was great. The B&N version really doesn't add anything special.

The Odyssey by Recorded Books was translated by George Herbert Palmer. The Iliad was indeed translated by Fitzgerald.

I read this book for its value as an ancient classic and to try to get a feel for the way of thinking back then, which obviously had much opportunity to influence the development of the modern ways of thinking. I was very pleased that the story also turned out to be a great read. I was surprised that the gods played such an influential role in the story, and the development of the personalities of the various gods is quite interesting. I appreciated that the book was written in prose and is also quite readable. Don't read the introduction before you read the book unless you would like to have the plot completely spoiled. This Dover Thrift edition makes this a great value.

The Odyssey (and Iliad) are some of the best written stories I've had the benefit of being made to read them and returned to them a 3rd and fourth time and experienced new realizations each time.

Recorded Books,LLC used Fitzgerald's translation for the Iliad and they said so on the back but they don't say who translated the Oddessy at all which implies Fitzgerald. I like to read and listen at the same time and that is impossible to do with different translations, the frustrating part is I don't know the translation they used, but even if I did just from the few minutes I heard I wouldn't want to know anyway.

The Odyssey (Dover Thrift Editions) was easy to purchase, since I had the ISBN number and the cover matched the book requested by the teacher. It was delivered promptly at a reasonable cost.

I bought this edition thinking I would get The Odyssey in poem/verse format...instead I get a poorly phrased prose version. NO schools, at any level, use the prose version - only wasted $2.50 on this, but I also had to buy a REAL version of the poem to be able to have a copy to use for my senior seminar. Very disappointed.

Amazing story of what one man will suffer simply to achieve their dream of returnig to their homeland. The translation is precise and clear, a story that I will always love.

"HOMER, you did a good job with this

follow-up to your story "THE ILIAD";

Your mother and I are proud of you.

Don't sell the movie rights too cheap,

and INSIST that they cast SEAN BEAN

as ODYSSEUS."

Love, DAD & MOM

P.S: Send us a souvenir from TROY!