This prose translation of the Odyssey is so successful that it has taken its place as one of the few really outstanding versions of Homer's famous epic poem. It is the story of the return of Odysseus from the siege of Troy to his home in Ithaca, and of the vengeance he takes on the suitors of his wife Penelope. Odysseus's account of his adventures since leaving Troy includes his encounter with the enchantress Circe, his visit to the Underworld, and the lure of the Sirens.

Find the eBook on VitalSource.

Features

• A famous and well-admired translation by Walter Shewring, which comes as close to the spirit of the original Greek as our language
• With an introduction explaining the significance of the work to Greek literature and literature as a whole, the features that characterise Homers writing style, and the links between the work and the Trojan War
• Includes a glossary and index of names to help the reader unfamiliar with Greek literature follow the events and characters
• Includes several maps linking the literary events with real locations

ABOUT THE SERIES

For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Contents
Introduction by G. S. Kirk
Acknowledgements
THE ODYSSEY
I Gods in council – Telemachus and Athene
II Telemachus defies the suitors
III Telemachus, Athene, Nestor
IV Telemachus, Menelaus, Helen
V Hermes and Calypso – Odysseus released and wrecked
VI Nausicaa
VII Odysseus as guest of Alcinous
VIII Phaeacian games, dancing, poems
IX Odysseus begins his tale – The Cyclops
X Circe
XI Odysseus among the ghosts
XII Scylla and Charybdis – The cattle of the sun
XIII Odysseus returns to Ithaca
XIV Odysseus with the swineherd
XV Telemachus returns to Ithaca
XVI Odysseus reveals himself to Telemachus
XVII The king as beggar
XVIII The beggar praised and mocked
XIX The Queen and the beggar – The nurse knows her master
XX Odysseus insulted and protected
XXI The contest of the bow
XXII Vengeance on the suitors
XXIII Penelope doubts and believes
XXIV The suitors join the ghosts – Odysseus and Laertes – The battle renewed and ended
Epilogue on translation
Glossary and index of names
Maps of real places
Footnotes

Homer

Translated by Walter Shewring and with an introduction by G. S. Kirk.