Homer: The Odyssey / Edition 1

by Homer, Jasper Griffin, Martin Hammond

Overview

The Odyssey is one of the earliest works of European literature, second only to the Iliad. These two great epic poems, the astonishing first fruits of Greek civilization, have together determined much of the course of Western literary culture and imagination.

The poem tells of the long and painful return of Odysseus from the Trojan War to his homeland of Ithaka, his wife Penelope and his son Telemachos. Even after he finally returns, there are enemies to be fought in his house. The action of the poem covers a huge canvas, ranging widely over time and place, exploring the known and unknown worlds, involving magic and monsters, gods and ghosts, dangers defied: throughout there runs a strong and eloquent insistence on the humanity of men and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.

In this vibrant new translation, in a very readable prose format, Martin Hammond complements his acclaimed translation of the Iliad to capture as closely as possible both the simplicity and the intensity of Homer's epic. With an introduction by Professor Jasper Griffin and a comprehensive index, it sets a new and lasting standard in the interpretation of a masterpiece of Greek literature for both the student and the general reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780715629581
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/24/2000
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Homer is the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, and is revered as the greatest of ancient Greek epic poets. These epics representthe beginning of the Western canon, and have had an enormous influence on the history of literature.

Martin Hammond was Head of Classics and Master in College at Eton College. He was also Headmster of City of London School, andTonbridge School, Kent. His acclaimed translation of the Iliad was published by Penguin Classics.

Jasper Griffin is Professor of Classical Literature at Oxford.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction by Jasper Griffin
Suggestions for further reading
A note on the Greek text
The Odyssey
Book 1 The Gods, Athene and Telemachos
Book 2 Telemachos and the Suitors
Book 3 Telemachos in Pylos
Book 4 Telemachos in Sparta
Book 5 Odysseus and Kalypso
Book 6 Nausikaä
Book 7 Odysseus in Phaiacia
Book 8 Phaiacian Games and Song
Book 9 The Cyclops
Book 10 Kirke
Book 11 The Underworld
Book 12 Skylla and Charybdis
Book 13 Returban to Ithaka
Book 14 Odysseus and Eumaios
Book 15 Telemachos Returbans
Book 16 Odysseus and Telemachos
Book 17 Odysseus Comes to his House
Book 18 Odysseus as Beggar
Book 19 Eurykleia Recognises Odysseus
Book 20 Insults and Omens
Book 21 The Trial of the Bow
Book 22 The Suitors Killed
Book 23 Odysseus and Penelope
Book 24 The Underworld, Laertes, Peace
Index

Editorial Reviews

"Hammond's precise and highly readable translation embraces not only the immediate human appeal of the Odyssey but also much of what is alien to modern literary culture: 'modes of speech, insistent narrative sequencing, the wealth of formulaic repetition' ... [It] offers Anglophone readers a faithful and direct experience of the style and manner of Homer's great poem." -The Classical Review

From the Publisher