The Essential Homer Selections From The Iliad And The Odyssey

Selections from both Iliad and Odyssey, made with an eye for those episodes that figure most prominently in the study of mythology.

Selections from both the Iliad and the Odyssey, made with an eye for those episodes that figure most prominently in the study of mythology.

Selections from both Iliad and Odyssey, made with an eye for those episodes that figure most prominently in the study of mythology.

Odysseus, one of the war heroes, has still not arrived in his home country of Ithaca ten years after the Trojan War and the Fall of Troy. Odysseus is presumed dead, leaving his wife Penelope and son Telemachus to deal with a gang of wild suitors vying for Penelope's hand in marriage who have overtaken his palace and pillaged his country. Odysseus, however, is still alive and being held captive on the island of Ogygia by Calypso, who is madly in love with him and longs to make him her everlasting husband. How is Odysseus going to get home? Will he find his beloved Penelope again? The Odyssey tells the story of Odysseus' "nostos" trip back home, expanding Homer's vibrant image of everyman's journey through life. It is the second-oldest piece of still-existing Western literature.

This generous abridgment of Stanley Lombardo's translation of the Odyssey offers more than half of the epic, including all of its best-known episodes and finest poetry, while providing concise summaries for omitted books and passages. Sheila Murnaghan's Introduction, a shortened version of her essay for the unabridged edition, is ideal for readers new to this remarkable tale of the homecoming of Odysseus.

While preserving the basic narrative of the Iliad, this selection also highlights the epic's high poetic moments and essential mythological content, and will prove especially useful in surveys of world literature.

Renowned Homer scholar Barry B. Powell has already given the world powerful new translations of the Iliad and the Odyssey. Now his Homer's Iliad and Odyssey: The Essential Books brings together his translations of the most important books and passages from these two great poems in one handy volume. Accessible, poetic, and accurate, Barry Powell's translations are an excellent fit for today's students. With swift, transparent language that rings both ancient and modern, Powell exposes students to all of the rage, pleasure, pathos, cunning, and humor that are Homer's Iliad and Odyssey. Both the translations and the introductions are informed by the best recent scholarship. FEATURES * Uses well-modulated verse and accurate English that is contemporary but never without dignity * Powell's introduction sets the poems in their philological, mythological, and historical contexts * Features unique on-page notes, facilitating students' engagement with the poems * Embedded illustrations accompanied by extensive captions provide Greek and Roman visual sources for key passages * Maps provide geographic context for the poems' many place names * Audio recordings (read by Powell) of important passages are available on the book's Companion Website and indicated in the text margin by an icon

The Iliad and The Odyssey are two epic poems from Ancient Greece which have become cornerstones of Western literature. This stunning jacketed hardback brings together these two works in an accessible prose translation, ideal for those wanting to be thrown into the action of these thrilling tales In The Iliad, the Greek's best warrior Achilles has abandoned the war with the Trojans on a mission of revenge. Only the death of his best friend Patroclus persuades Achilles to return to battle and confront the Trojan leader Hector in single combat. The Odyssey is set after the Trojan War as Odysseus sets off on his ten-year journey home to Ithica. Filled with fallible gods and foolhardy heroes, these two classic tales offer incredible insight into ancient Greek mythology and culture, as well as being thrilling reads. ABOUT THE SERIES: The World Classics Library series gathers together the works of authors and philosophers whose ideas have stood the test of time. Perfect for bibliophiles, these gorgeous jacketed hardbacks are a wonderful addition to any bookshelf.