Homer: The Odyssey

by Homer; Griffin, Jasper; Hammond, Martin

• ISBN13: 9780715629581
• ISBN10: 0715629581
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-02-24
• Publisher: Bristol Classical Pr

Summary

The Odyssey is one of the earliest works of European literature, second only to The Iliad. These two great epic poems, the astonishing first fruits of Greek civilization, have together determined much of the course of Western literary culture and imagination. The Odyssey tells of the long and painful return of Odysseus from the Trojan War to his homeland of Ithaka, his wife Penelope and his son Telemachos. Even after he finally returns, there are enemies to be fought in his house. The action of the poem covers a huge canvas, ranging widely over time and place, exploring the known and unknown worlds, involving magic and monsters, gods and ghosts, dangers defied: throughout there runs a strong and eloquent insistence on the humanity of men and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. In this vibrant new translation, in a very readable prose format, Martin Hammond complements his acclaimed translation of The Iliad to capture as closely as possible both the simplicity and the intensity of Homer's epic. With an introduction by Professor Jasper Griffin and a comprehensive index, it sets a new and lasting standard in the interpretation of a masterpiece of Greek literature for both the student and the general reader.

Author Biography

Martin Hammond was Head of Classics at Eton College for six years from 1974, and subsequently Master in College. In 1984 he was appointed Headmaster of the City of London School, and since 1990 he has been Headmaster of Tonbridge School.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
Introduction	xiii
Jasper Griffin
Suggestions for further reading	xxvii
A note on the Greek text	xxviii
THE ODYSSEY
The Gods, Athene and Telemachos	1	(9)
Telemachos and the Suitors	10	(9)
Telemachos in Pylos	19	(11)
Telemachos in Sparta	30	(17)
Odysseus and Kalypso	47	(10)
Nausikaa	57	(7)
Odysseus in Phaiacia	64	(7)
Phaiacian Games and Song	71	(12)
The Cyclops	83	(12)
Kirke	95	(12)
The Underworld	107	(13)
Skylla and Charybdis	120	(10)
Return to Ithaka	130	(10)
Odysseus and Eumaios	140	(11)
Telemachos Returns	151	(12)
Odysseus and Telemachos	163	(10)
Odysseus Comes to his House	173	(13)
Odysseus as Beggar	186	(9)
Eurykleia Recognises Odysseus	195	(13)
Insults and Omens	208	(9)
The Trial of the Bow	217	(9)
The Suitors Killed	226	(11)
Odysseus and Penelope	237	(8)
The Underworld, Laertes, Peace	245	(12)
Index	257