This new edition of Homer’s epic poem is designed with the needs of undergraduate students in mind. The selections, totalling almost half the full work, include all the most famous and most frequently taught episodes. The edition features numerous explanatory footnotes, an illuminating introduction, a glossary of names (with a guide to pronunciation), maps, examples of scenes from the Odyssey depicted in ancient art, and a range of other background materials that help set Homer’s classic in its historical and literary context.
Comments
“This is a lovely translation—clear and accessible: it captures the flow of the Greek, it is accurate in handling subtle nuances of that language, and it gives the story a brisk and powerful pace. This significantly shortened edition conveys the essential elements of the story and should be especially welcome for some readers and classroom settings.” — Miles Beckwith, Iona College
“Ian Johnston’s abridged version of his translation of Homer’s Odyssey is an accessible and highly convenient text for use on courses of many different kinds. Comprising forty per cent of the original poem, the text both captures the essential elements of the narrative and makes it manageable for courses with other texts. The introduction is both brief and mostly complete in its range, and is supported by an excellent glossary and collection of parallel literary texts.” — Murray McArthur, University of Waterloo
