Most translations of The Odyssey are in the kind of standard verse form believed typical of high-serious composition in the ancient world. Yet some scholars believe the epic was originally composed in a less formal, phrase-by-phrase prosody. Charles Stein employs the latter approach in this dramatic, and in some ways truer, version. Famous episodes such as the sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Cyclops, are rendered with previously unseen energy and empathy. The poem's second half--where Odysseus, returned home to take ...
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Most translations of The Odyssey are in the kind of standard verse form believed typical of high-serious composition in the ancient world. Yet some scholars believe the epic was originally composed in a less formal, phrase-by-phrase prosody. Charles Stein employs the latter approach in this dramatic, and in some ways truer, version. Famous episodes such as the sirens, Scylla and Charybdis, and the Cyclops, are rendered with previously unseen energy and empathy. The poem's second half--where Odysseus, returned home to take revenge on his wife's suitors--has extraordinarily subtle, "novelistic" features that are made more transparent in this version. There is also a special feel for the archaic dimensions of Homer--the world of gods and their complex relations to Fate and Being that other translators tend to deemphasize in order to make the poem feel "modern." Most versions exclude or minimize the magical aspects of the poem, but Stein gives these elements full play, so that the spirit of a universe predating the classical era shines through. This vibrant version of The Odyssey shows readers not only what the Greeks thought about their gods but the gods themselves. Summaries preceding each chapter and a list of recommended websites help expand the experience.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 656 p. Contains: Maps. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 656 p. Contains: Maps. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 656 p. Contains: Maps. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
The Odyssey is the saga of the Greek hero Odysseus and his return voyage from the Trojan War. Having been away from home for many years Odysseus faces many challenges and adventures on his return journey to Ithaca. These include facing the one eyed giant called the Cyclops, the sorceress Circe, a visit to Hades, the Sirens, and the monsters Charybdis and Scylla. Upon his arrival home Odysseus defeats the suitors of his wife Penelope. The plain English prose translation by W. H. D. Rouse is the subject of this review and is highly readable. This epic story of adventure is one of the must read classics of world literature. Highly recommended.
Lisa C
Nov 7, 2013
meh
it smelled like someone had been smoking on it for years. I had to cover my nose everytime I opened the book
Barbara H
May 31, 2012
Not a favorite
Too hard to understand. Try No Fear on Spark Notes for translation.
creationchild
Feb 3, 2011
Bought it for school-ONLY
Great product! Just not what I would choose to read if given a choice. The reader is fine, just not that into Homer 8b...
Carol B
Sep 3, 2010
I would listen to Jacobi read the phone book
How fabulous to listen to this well done recording. Even though the stories are so familiar, this was really gripping, and I plan on revisiting this audiobook with regularity.
