Author Description
Odysseus and his men put out to sea in twelve ships of fifty oars, their white sails unfurled and their blue-painted prows thrusting through the waves as the wind filled the sails: nigh on sixty men on board each ship. And the heart of every man was happy as he thought how at last, after ten weary years of battle, he would once again see Ithaca, which was his home. Skillfully retold as clear, unencumbered narratives while retaining the dignity and excitment of Homer's original epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey were critically acclaimed as highly accessible editions for all ages when first published by Oxford in 1952. Now we are proud to reissue them in handsome paperback editions as part of the Oxford Myths and Legends series. The Iliad describes the last years of the war between the Trojans and the Greeks with tales of heroes, battles, quarrels, and especially of Achilles--the greatest warrior among all the Greeks. The Odyssey continues the story after the fall of Troy, as Odysseus begins his exciting journey home. His voyage to Circe's enchanted island, down to the underworld, to the land of the Sirens, and finally home to patient Penelope remains one of the best adventure stories ever told. All of the pride, daring, love, and revenge of these two enduring tales is captured in a way that spans ages and levels of familiarity with the works. Adults will find them the perfect complement to the originals for clarification or for pure reading pleasure. Younger children will love hearing the daring adventures read aloud, and young adults will appreciate a text that does not talk down to them, but is clear, understandable, and enjoyable. Joan Kiddell-Monroe's exquisite black and white illustrations blend a contemporary style with the classical and add to the timeless appeal of the stories. Homer's great epics are brought to life in an immediate and engaging way for every member of the family and for all ages of students of classical literature in these two classic reissues.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
The rage of Achilles and the subsequent collapse of the Greek-Trojan stalemate serve as the primary catalyst for this epic conflict. The narrative follows the Greek forces as they struggle to overcome the walls of Troy, focusing on the internal strife between Agamemnon and Achilles. This conflict forces the protagonist to navigate the tension between personal honor and the collective needs of the Achaean army. The prose maintains a linear structure, emphasizing the physical brutality of ancient warfare and the intervention of divine entities in human affairs.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Focus on the final year of the Trojan War
- Detailed accounts of individual combat and heroic duels
- Exploration of the influence of Greek deities on mortal outcomes
- Examination of the concept of kleos or eternal glory
- Inclusion of Joan Kiddell-Monroe's black and white illustrations
- Accessible prose style suitable for a broad age range
- Emphasis on the psychological toll of prolonged conflict
- Traditional epic structure featuring elevated dialogue and descriptive battle sequences
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight this edition for its ability to distill complex classical themes into a format that remains accessible to younger audiences without sacrificing the gravity of the original work. Discussion often centers on the balance between the visceral descriptions of combat and the nuanced characterization of Achilles as he grapples with his pride. Many note that the inclusion of period-appropriate illustrations enhances the atmosphere, providing a visual anchor for the mythological setting. The text is widely regarded as a successful entry point for those unfamiliar with the nuances of Homeric epic poetry. It serves as a bridge between academic study and casual reading, maintaining a consistent pace that keeps the narrative momentum steady throughout the account of the war.
Page Count:
224
Publication Date:
1991-10-17
ISBN-10:
0192741470
ISBN-13:
9780192741479
Adventure
classic
Mythology
Epic Poetry