The Odyssey (Oxford World's Classics) - Homer

A Cornerstone of Western Literature

The Odyssey by Homer is one of the most influential works of world literature and a foundational text of ancient Greek epic poetry. It narrates the long and perilous return of Odysseus to Ithaca after the Trojan War, a journey shaped by danger, divine intervention, and human ingenuity.

The Journey Home and the Trial of Loyalty

While Odysseus wanders across the limits of the known world, confronting monsters, gods, and temptations, his household in Ithaca falls into chaos. Suitors overrun his palace, seeking to marry Penelope, while his son Telemachus struggles to defend his father’s legacy. The poem masterfully intertwines heroic adventure with deeply human concerns.

A Modern Translation with Scholarly Support

This Oxford World’s Classics edition features a clear and engaging modern translation by Anthony Verity, accompanied by a substantial introduction and explanatory notes. These additions help readers understand the historical background, literary techniques, and cultural significance of the epic.

Main Themes of the Book

• The meaning of home and the idea of return
• Intelligence, strategy, and adaptability
• Fate, free will, and divine influence
• Loyalty, family, and personal identity
• Endurance through time and adversity

Reasons to Choose this book by by Homer

• Published by a world-renowned academic publisher
• Faithful and accessible modern translation
• Detailed introduction for literary and historical context
• Explanatory notes that support students and general readers
• Ideal for study, teaching, and classic literature collections

The Odyssey remains a timeless exploration of human resilience, cleverness, and the longing for home. This Oxford World’s Classics edition offers an authoritative and reader-friendly approach to Homer’s epic, making it an essential choice for anyone seeking to engage with one of the greatest achievements of classical literature.