Homer in general

Illiad - Homer

To read the Iliad takes time, there are periods of tragedy in the book which can be very depressing, there are also however long periods of incredible violence e.g. The Aristeia of Achilleus and Diomedies and the defence of the greek armies by the mighty Ajax. I will guarantee that after reading this undoubted classic, you will be a more ...

Odyssey - Homer

This is one of the world's greatest (and oldest) stories. It can be ruined by a poor translation - and there are plenty about. My tip is to go for the edition printed by the most prestigious and well-known publisher you can find. There are many childrens' versions too, some of which are excellent. It's a story children love, of someone desperate to get home - circumstances they're all too familiar with! This book tells of the return from Troy of Ulysses / Odysseus (depending on the Greek or Latin name of the same person). The Trojan war has finally been won and the Greeks can return home after so many years away from their loved ones. Yet ...

Odyssey - Homer

lies the crux of the matter. While Homer's treatment of his characters seems odd - strange fates befall those who cross the hero, even if they seem to be in the right - it is only when viewed from a modern perspective, applying modern-day values. When seen in the context of the time, Homer and Penelope are the epitome of propriety, the bad guys are satisfyingly loathable, and everyone lives happily every after. ...