Odyssey

After the Trojan War, Odysseus is still on his journey home twenty years later. His family is in disarray, with over 100 suitors vying for his wife Penelope, and his young son Telemachus is powerless to stop them. Odysseus is driven beyond the limits of the known world, encountering countless divine and earthly challenges. Despite these obstacles, his cunning and bravery lead him home, reclaiming his family and kingdom. The Odyssey is considered the greatest poem of Western culture and is one of the most influential texts of classical literature. This new translation is accompanied by an introduction and notes that help the reader understand the poem and its many different contexts.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 384 pages
\n Publication date: 22 February 2018
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press
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After twenty years of fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus, the man of many turns, has yet to return home to Ithaca. His household is in disarray, with a horde of over 100 disorderly and arrogant suitors vying to claim Odysseus' wife, Penelope, and his young son, Telemachus, is powerless to stop them. Meanwhile, Odysseus is driven beyond the limits of the known world, encountering countless divine and earthly challenges. Despite these obstacles, Odysseus is of many wiles and his cunning and bravery eventually lead him home, to reclaim both his family and his kingdom.

The Odyssey, considered one of the greatest poems of Western culture, rivals the Iliad in its influence and significance. This elegant and compelling new translation is accompanied by a comprehensive introduction and notes that guide the reader in understanding the poem and the various contexts in which it was performed and read.

Odysseus' journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. He faces countless trials and tribulations, from being trapped in the underworld to encountering mythical creatures such as the Sirens and the Cyclops. However, his wit and cunning always help him overcome these challenges, and he emerges stronger and more resourceful than ever before.

One of the most notable aspects of The Odyssey is its portrayal of human nature. Odysseus is a complex character, with both admirable qualities and flaws. He is a skilled leader and strategist, but he is also prone to arrogance and self-doubt. His interactions with the other characters in the poem, such as his wife, Penelope, and his son, Telemachus, showcase the depth of his emotions and the challenges he faces in trying to reclaim his family and kingdom.

The Odyssey also explores themes of fate, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions. Odysseus is destined to return home, but he must first endure many trials and tribulations. His loyalty to his friends and family is tested throughout his journey, and he must make difficult decisions that ultimately shape his fate.

The poem's rich language and imagery add to its appeal and make it a timeless masterpiece. Homer's use of similes and metaphors creates vivid images that bring the characters and events to life, and his use of myth and legend adds depth and complexity to the story.

In conclusion, The Odyssey is a masterpiece of classical literature that has captivated readers for centuries. Its enduring themes and complex characters make it a relevant and powerful text today. This new translation by Robert Fagles provides a fresh and accessible way for readers to experience this timeless masterpiece.

\n Weight: 266g\n
Dimension: 196 x 128 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780198736479\n \n