The Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, renowned translator Samuel Butler has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom and given us an edition of The Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery.
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Neel
Format:Paperback
I read this book as part of a course curriculum in 9th grade. We were taught to read "carefully", meaning that we paid attention to minute details and metaphors. We also identified symbolism. Overall, you can learn lots of Greek mythology from the novel. If you are new to reading such writing, it is important to read slowly at first. Your rate of reading will improve as you continue reading.
The book provides background knowledge for many things that go on in our lives and presents them in the form of an epic. For example, you can learn that the Cyclops are sons of Poseidon. Thus, because Odysseus severed Polyphemmos' eye (A cyclops), Poseidon makes the warrior's return home very difficult.
The Odyssey is a book that includes many themes. Thus, many will find it enjoyable to read. It is also something "different" to read. By this, I mean that it is unlike anything I have read before. Not only is it all in poetry, but it provides lengthy descriptions that while abstract can be followed easily.
I would recommend this novel for all those that enjoy reading and learning and are a suitable age to understand its context (Its for many ages because of its format but I would say that children below the age of 10 wouldn't understand it well).
The book provides background knowledge for many things that go on in our lives and presents them in the form of an epic. For example, you can learn that the Cyclops are sons of Poseidon. Thus, because Odysseus severed Polyphemmos' eye (A cyclops), Poseidon makes the warrior's return home very difficult.
The Odyssey is a book that includes many themes. Thus, many will find it enjoyable to read. It is also something "different" to read. By this, I mean that it is unlike anything I have read before. Not only is it all in poetry, but it provides lengthy descriptions that while abstract can be followed easily.
I would recommend this novel for all those that enjoy reading and learning and are a suitable age to understand its context (Its for many ages because of its format but I would say that children below the age of 10 wouldn't understand it well).
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
fierst of all like mentioned above and go along with it i absolutly love how it's translated it is awesome
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I am currently reading the Iliad and plan to read the Oresteia too (these stories all complement each other as they are about the Achaeans heroes (Greeks) who went to troy. This book was less daunting to start reading than the others because of its thickness. However it skips ahead of the events of the Iliad and the Oresteia. I didn't find this detrimental to reading the Odyssey because I already had a general idea of the plots of the other two stories.
I would say that the names can be confusing at times if you don't know the Romanized names of characters (Ulysses is Odysseus, Minerva is Athena, etc.). It's probably good to have a primer on Greek mythology before reading it so you can better appreciate who each character is, what other characters/events the are referencing, etc.
Really enjoyed the story though.
I would say that the names can be confusing at times if you don't know the Romanized names of characters (Ulysses is Odysseus, Minerva is Athena, etc.). It's probably good to have a primer on Greek mythology before reading it so you can better appreciate who each character is, what other characters/events the are referencing, etc.
Really enjoyed the story though.
By C. Zani
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Thanks. My daughter is reading this book for High School English. She found it a little challenging, because the language is a little stilted.
By josch
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the only translation that is worth the money. Compared to any other translation, it is the epitome of what Greek poetry to English should be. Kudos to Robert Fagles.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I first learnt about Homer's Odyssey when I was about 11. Since then I have found many references to the story in lots of different places, plays, music, statues etc. So I thought I should revisit the book and read the whole work. It has been a very interesting experience, adding to the number of references I knew about, largely by bringing the source of the stories and characters into sharper focus and also because I have a life time of experience between then and now.
If you are new to Homer, you will be surprised to discover how widely he has influenced those who have followed him.
If you are new to Homer, you will be surprised to discover how widely he has influenced those who have followed him.
By KDJ
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very happy with this product. Just as described. Arrived in the time specified! Pleased with this purchase and would suggest it to anyone else!
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not the translation advertised on website; by Butler, not Fagles
October 22, 2012
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This may be a fabulous version translated by some guy named Butler. My son needed the Fagles translation for school. The description lists Fagles and some of the reviews were for Fagles. Very confusing. Now he is having to use a library and sticky notes for annotation. After getting the wrong book, I found several other reviews that noted the same problem. So- be extra cautious if your teacher is picky about the version.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
This is NOT the Fagles translation (Amazon page for this product is...
Unfortuantely, the product that ships for this description (and this cover) is a translation by Samuel Butler. I am very disappointed.
Published 6 months ago by ag
1.0 out of 5 stars
BEWARE: THIS IS NOT THE ROBERT FAGLES edition
The Odyssey is obviously one of the great master works. Which is why my son is studying it as part of an Honors Literature class. Read more
Published 8 months ago by CHC
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not the right edition.
I ordered this book for my son for school. When I "looked inside" it showed the Robert Fagles translation, which he needed. Read more
Published 8 months ago by theWolf
1.0 out of 5 stars
Providing deceiving info: NOT the right translator!
Amazon's intro description, editorial reviews and other customers' reviews of keep referring to Robert Fagles' translation and make comments on how beautiful it is. Read more
Published 10 months ago by a parent
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
