The Odyssey (Penguin Clothbound Classics)
Product ID: 6999900
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Homer’s classic epic of survival, revenge, and homecoming, translated by E. V. Rieu, now in a stunning clothbound edition designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, and featuring an Introduction by Peter V. Jones. Now a major motion picture directed by Christopher Nolan The epic tale of Odysseus and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War, one of the earliest and greatest works of Western literature. Confronted by natural and supernatural threats—shipwrecks, battles, monsters, and the implacable enmity of the sea god Poseidon—Odysseus must use his wit and native cunning if he is to reach his homeland of Ithaca safely and overcome the obstacles that, even there, await him. Penguin Classics is the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, representing a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Review: Great edition of an essential classic - This book presents a 1991 update of E. V. Rieu's lively and accessible 1946 translation of the Odyssey, revised by his son D. C. H. Rieu. The Odyssey is well known and influential, but as with many great works of art, one can often be surprised upon examining the original as opposed to the distorted shadows of it that we inherit from popular culture. The book is mostly focused on Odysseus's household and the events surrounding the moment of his return, and those household characters are well-developed and have storylines of their own. Events do not unfold in chronological order, and Odysseus's famous sea adventures and role in the Trojan war are mostly told in flashbacks as various characters recount them. The importance of hospitality is a strongly emphasized theme throughout, and feels almost as central as the theme of home and family. Odysseus himself is a complicated character, and the question of whether his actions are ethical or heroic is often left open to multiple interpretations. All of this results in a richer and more interesting experience of the story than I expected. I read Homer's Iliad from this same Penguin clothbound series first, but when I got into the Odyssey I began to notice some minor differences with the translation choices. The reason is that while Rieu's translation of the Iliad was more thoroughly and consistently revised and updated (by Peter Jones), the Odyssey was only lightly or partly revised. One result is that it retains some mid-century British style that can sound a bit dated to us or anachronistic to the ancient Greek context. Despite those minor misgivings (which only a perfectionist would care about really), this is still a great edition of the Odyssey and has lots of helpful introductory material. I also love the quality of the binding and the sea-green color scheme of the cover and ribbon (though I can't help wondering what it would look like if it had more of a bluish-purple or indigo hue in keeping with Homer's descriptions of the sea as wine colored). Review: Good enough quality - Wish they had higher quality options with real leather cover that book name doesn’t rub off from reading by time you get through with the book. Held together, pretty captivating inside, a classic I had to add to my shelf to become a more learn’ed man.
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,316 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #2 in Poetry About Places (Books) #21 in Ancient & Medieval Literature #24 in Ancient & Classical Poetry |
| Customer Reviews | 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,243 Reviews |
D**E
Great edition of an essential classic
This book presents a 1991 update of E. V. Rieu's lively and accessible 1946 translation of the Odyssey, revised by his son D. C. H. Rieu. The Odyssey is well known and influential, but as with many great works of art, one can often be surprised upon examining the original as opposed to the distorted shadows of it that we inherit from popular culture. The book is mostly focused on Odysseus's household and the events surrounding the moment of his return, and those household characters are well-developed and have storylines of their own. Events do not unfold in chronological order, and Odysseus's famous sea adventures and role in the Trojan war are mostly told in flashbacks as various characters recount them. The importance of hospitality is a strongly emphasized theme throughout, and feels almost as central as the theme of home and family. Odysseus himself is a complicated character, and the question of whether his actions are ethical or heroic is often left open to multiple interpretations. All of this results in a richer and more interesting experience of the story than I expected. I read Homer's Iliad from this same Penguin clothbound series first, but when I got into the Odyssey I began to notice some minor differences with the translation choices. The reason is that while Rieu's translation of the Iliad was more thoroughly and consistently revised and updated (by Peter Jones), the Odyssey was only lightly or partly revised. One result is that it retains some mid-century British style that can sound a bit dated to us or anachronistic to the ancient Greek context. Despite those minor misgivings (which only a perfectionist would care about really), this is still a great edition of the Odyssey and has lots of helpful introductory material. I also love the quality of the binding and the sea-green color scheme of the cover and ribbon (though I can't help wondering what it would look like if it had more of a bluish-purple or indigo hue in keeping with Homer's descriptions of the sea as wine colored).
M**.
Good enough quality
Wish they had higher quality options with real leather cover that book name doesn’t rub off from reading by time you get through with the book. Held together, pretty captivating inside, a classic I had to add to my shelf to become a more learn’ed man.
S**R
Home
An excellent copy I have read before just in time for the movie!
C**E
Classic
Beautiful cover and story! If you love Greek Myths this is a must have
W**Y
Good size! Good quality
Aside from the tale, itself, this edition is a good one; good size, well bound, quite sufficient paper thickness, and printing that's large enough and very clear and readable. Have bought a copy for a gift, knowing the quality of this one. I have seen Dawn's rosy fingers!
M**Y
Paint on cover flakes off easily in moderate summer heat
Great print inside, only issue is outside on covers. The paint flakes off rather easily, I discovered this when I had the book on my lap and found flakes on my pants after I picked it up. Might be due to summer heat. If you’re okay with not having cover art after a while this is perfect then.
D**S
Great books
These are my favorite books. Pristine look with great translation
C**4
Beautiful Book
I bought this book as a gift for my niece and she loves it. The cover is classic without being too old looking. It’s perfect.
H**L
Stunning Edition of The Odyssey: A Perfect Gift for Any Book Lover
I'm very pleased with the Penguin Clothbound Classics edition of The Odyssey by Homer that I bought for my daughter! The binding is absolutely stunning, rich, tactile, and feels wonderfully sturdy. It's the kind of book that will look beautiful on any bookshelf but also feel like a cherished heirloom. The cover design is elegant. My daughter adores it, not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its high-quality pages. The translation itself is clear and accessible, making this classic text approachable for readers of all ages. It’s the perfect way to introduce The Odyssey to a younger audience while still capturing the magic of the original work. I would highly recommend this edition to anyone who loves timeless literature and appreciates beautiful book design. A perfect gift for any book lover.
J**O
Ótimo produto
Excelente produto
C**T
Great hard cover edition!
Fantastic quality book. Bought as a gift, will have to get one myself!
E**A
Ottimo
Arrivato in condizioni perfette
A**A
Está preciooooosooo
Es mi primer libro de estas ediciones tan preciosas, me encantó demasiado y queda perfecto en mi estante con mis otros libros de mitología
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