The Odyssey

Unabridged
Author: Homer
Narrator: Derek Jacobi
Genres: Classics
Publisher: Highbridge Audio
Date: June 2000
Length: 9 hours
Ratings:
Formats:
  • CD
  • WMA
Abridged
Author: Homer
Narrator: Anton Lesser
Genres: Fiction, Poetry, Literature, Classics
Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks Ltd.
Date: March 1995
Length: 3 hours, 55 minutes
Ratings:
  • Book Rating: 3.5/5
Formats:
  • CD
  • WMA

Overview

Homer's epic chronicle of the Greek hero Odysseus' journey home from the Trojan War has inspired writers from Virgil to James Joyce. Odysseus survives storm and shipwreck, the cave of the Cyclops and the isle of Circe, the lure of the Sirens' song and a trip to the Underworld, only to find his most difficult challenge at home, where treacherous suitors seek to steal his kingdom and his loyal wife, Penelope. Favorite of the gods, Odysseus embodies the energy, intellect, and resourcefulness that were of highest value to the ancients and that remain ideals in out time.

In this new verse translation, Allen Mandelbaum--celebrated poet and translator of Virgil's Aeneid and Dante's Divine Comedy --realizes the power and beauty of the original Greek verse and demonstrates why the epic tale of The Odyssey has captured the human imagination for nearly three thousand years.

Reviews (3)

great story

Written by Melani Wyse on July 12th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 4/5

I thought it was fantastic as read from the original story. You have to have the stomach for a long greek epic that uses words you might not recognize like cuirass & aegis. If you are ok with looking these words up you will have a very rewarding experience. The audio tones vary sharply so it helps to have a good equalizer to listen to this.

Odyssey

Written by Joanne Kelley on June 27th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This has been on my "to read" list for years. While I will sit down and read the book one day, I thoughly enjoyed the reading of this ancient tale.

Abridged doesn't mean short on quality

Written by Christopher Nubel on April 21st, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is a wonderful translation of Homer’s classic story of Odysseus and his return home. It was so much fun I didn’t want to get out of the car. The presentation will keep you glued to your CD player. Highly recommended.