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The great epic of Western literature, translated by the acclaimed classicist Robert FaglesA Penguin Classic   Robert Fagles, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation and a 1996 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, presents us with Homer's best-loved and most accessible poem in a stunning modern-verse translation. Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns driven time and again off course, once he had plundered the hallowed heights of Troy. So begins Robert Fagles' magnificent translation of the Odyssey, which Jasper Griffin in the New York Times Book Review hails as a distinguished achievement. If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of an everyman's journey through life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces during his ten-year voyage home to Ithaca after the Trojan War is at once a timeless human story and an individual test of moral endurance.  In the myths and legends  retold here, Fagles has captured the energy and poetry of Homer's original in a bold, contemporary idiom, and given us an Odyssey to read aloud, to savor, and to treasure for its sheer lyrical mastery. Renowned classicist Bernard Knox's superb introduction and textual commentary provide insightful background information for the general reader and scholar alike, intensifying the strength of Fagles's translation. This is an Odyssey to delight both the classicist and the general reader, to captivate a new generation of Homer's students. This Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition features French flaps and deckle-edged paper.For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

The Odyssey: A Journey of Return, Resilience, and Revelation

In the realm of ancient Greek literature, "The Odyssey" stands as a timeless epic that captivates readers with its tale of adventure, homecoming, and the enduring human spirit. Composed by the legendary poet Homer, "The Odyssey" recounts the arduous journey of Odysseus, the resourceful and steadfast king of Ithaca, as he strives to return home after the Trojan War.

The Odyssey is divided into 24 books, each narrating a significant chapter in Odysseus's extraordinary odyssey. The story begins with Odysseus trapped on the island of Calypso, where he yearns for his homeland and family. With the intervention of the gods, Odysseus embarks on a perilous voyage, encountering mythical creatures, overcoming treacherous obstacles, and enduring unimaginable hardships in his relentless pursuit of Ithaca.

As Odysseus navigates uncharted waters, he encounters a plethora of captivating characters, from the beautiful sorceress Circe and the one-eyed Cyclops Polyphemus to the prophetic Tiresias and the loyal swineherd Eumaeus. These encounters weave a tapestry of intrigue, danger, and enlightenment, shaping Odysseus's journey and testing his mettle.

Throughout his odyssey, Odysseus embodies the virtues of courage, resilience, and cunning. He confronts each trial with unwavering determination, using his intellect and resourcefulness to overcome overwhelming odds. His quest for home becomes a metaphor for the human spirit's capacity to persevere in the face of adversity and to ultimately find one's way back to where they belong.

Upon his long-awaited return to Ithaca, Odysseus finds his palace besieged by unruly suitors who plot to claim his throne and his wife, Penelope. Disguised as a beggar, Odysseus witnesses the suitors' debauchery and prepares for a final showdown. With the help of his loyal son Telemachus and faithful servants, Odysseus wages a fierce battle against the suitors, reclaiming his rightful place as king.

The Odyssey concludes with a sense of restoration and renewal. Odysseus is reunited with his loving wife and son, and his kingdom is restored to order. The scars of the past are gradually healed as Ithaca enters an era of peace and prosperity. Odysseus's odyssey serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of times, hope and resilience can prevail.

With its rich cast of characters, captivating storytelling, and timeless themes, The Odyssey continues to inspire and enthrall readers of all ages. It is a testament to Homer's skill as a storyteller and a reflection of the enduring power of human resilience and the desire for home.