The Odyssey (Ancient Greek) (Greek Edition) - Softcover

Homer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1909669261 ISBN 13: 9781909669260

Publisher: Jiahu Books, 2013

Synopsis

The Odyssey is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer. It is, in part, a sequel to the Iliad, the other work ascribed to Homer. The poem is fundamental to the modern Western canon, and is the second oldest extant work of Western literature, the Iliad being the oldest. It is believed to have been composed near the end of the 8th century BC, somewhere in Ionia, the Greek coastal region of Anatolia. The poem mainly centres on the Greek hero Odysseus (known as Ulysses in Roman myths) and his journey home after the fall of Troy. It takes Odysseus ten years to reach Ithaca after the ten-year Trojan War. In his absence, it is assumed he has died, and his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with a group of unruly suitors, the Mnesteres, who compete for Penelope's hand in marriage.

About this title

Review

Robert Fagles's translation is a jaw-droppingly beautiful rendering of Homer's Odyssey, the most accessible and enthralling epic of classical Greece. Fagles captures the rapid and direct language of the original Greek, while telling the story of Odysseus in lyrics that ring with a clear, energetic voice. The story itself has never seemed more dynamic, the action more compelling, nor the descriptions so brilliant in detail. It is often said that every age demands its own translation of the classics. Fagles's work is a triumph because he has not merely provided a contemporary version of Homer's classic poem, but has located the right language for the timeless character of this great tale. Fagles brings the Odyssey so near, one wonders if the Hollywood adaption can be far behind. This is a terrific book.

About the Author

Alexander Pope, master of the heroic couplet, is the best-known poet of the early eighteenth century. Several of Pope's couplets have been so often quoted that they seem like cliches now, which is an indication of the power and influence of his work. Some examples are 'A little learning is a dang'rous thing', 'To err is human, to forgive, divine', 'For fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have quoted Pope without realizing it.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jiahu Books
• Publication date: 2013
• Language: Greek, Modern (post 1453)
• ISBN 10: 1909669261
• ISBN 13: 9781909669260
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 282