Additional information
by Homer (Author), Tom Butler-Bowdon (Editor)
An epic journey of adventure, endurance, and the search for home
In The Odyssey, Homer crafts one of the oldest and most influential adventure stories in Western literature. The poem follows Odysseus, the cunning king of Ithaca, as he battles gods, monsters, and temptation on his ten-year quest to return home after the Trojan War. Facing shipwrecks, the wrath of Poseidon, and the allure of the witch-goddess Circe, Odysseus's journey is a timeless exploration of loyalty, perseverance, and the human spirit.
As Penelope and Telemachus struggle to defend their home from unruly suitors, Odysseus must rely on his wit and courage to overcome every obstacle. The Odyssey's vivid storytelling, mythical landscapes, and unforgettable characters have inspired readers for nearly three millennia.
Inside the book:
- The legendary adventures of Odysseus, from the Cyclops and Sirens to the Underworld
- Themes of loyalty, identity, hospitality, the meaning of home, and resilience in the face of adversity
- A cast of gods, monsters, and mortals whose stories echo through history
- Modern translation and Introduction by Prof. Ian Johnston
Perfect for lovers of epic fiction, mythology, and classic literature, The Odyssey remains a must-read for anyone seeking adventure, wisdom, and insight into the human condition.
Back Jacket
THE ULTIMATE JOURNEY OF ADVENTURE AND HOMECOMING
One of the most influential adventure stories in human history, The Odyssey describes the adventures of Odysseus, the cunning king of Ithaca, as he battles gods, monsters, and temptation on a decade-long quest to return home after the Trojan War. Odysseus faces shipwrecks, a wrathful Poseidon, and the draw of witch-goddess Circe as his loyalty, perseverance, and spirit are ruthlessly tested. Awaiting his return are wife Penelope and son Telemachus. But will they recognize him?
Author Biography
Homer was an ancient Greek poet believed to have lived in the 8th century BCE. He is the author of two of the most significant epic poems in Western literature, The Iliad and The Odyssey, celebrated for their narrative depth and exploration of human experience.
Ian Johnston is Professor Emeritus of Vancouver Island University (formerly Malaspina University-College) in British Columbia, Canada, where he taught Classics and English. He has translated Aeschylus, Aristophanes, Aristotle, Homer, Ovid and Sophocles, and modern works by Kant, Kafka, Montaigne and Nietzsche. He is the author of The Ironies of War: An Introduction to Homer's Iliad (1987).
Tom Butler-Bowdon is editor of the Capstone Classics series and has written introductions to Machiavelli's The Prince, Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich, and Wallace Wattles' The Science of Getting Rich. A graduate of the London School of Economics, he is also the author of 50 Self-Help Classics, 50 Success Classics, and 50 Psychology Classics.
