“Enthralling” I’ve read a few translations of The Odyssey and this is the ONLY one that truly reflects the poetry of the work.

I don’t think Homer’s epic tale of Odysseus and his trials would have lasted through the centuries if it was meant to be read like a dry textbook and Fagles sets out to create a counterpoint for those translations.

Although I was required to read this book for a class, it never felt like work. The beauty of the language stands out in such perfection that it gaves me chills on more than one occassion.

I like that Fagles didn’t attempt to “dumb down” the language of the work, but kept the poetry vivid and fluid–yes, it’ll take a few pages to get used to the structure, but once you do, the motion and rhythm of the words themselves with carry you along with them.

I remember groaning when I found out that I had to read all 560 pages, but it really didn’t seem like it took any effort at all.

I give very high praise to Fagles…

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Product Description

Scepticism is as much the result of knowledge, as knowledge is of scepticism. To be content with what we at present know, is, for the most part, to shut our ears against conviction; since, from the very gradual character of our education, we must continually forget, and emancipate ourselves from, knowledge previously acquired; we must set aside old notions and embrace fresh ones; and, as we learn, we must be daily unlearning something which it has cost us no small labour and anxiety to acquire.

Robert Fagles’s translation is a jaw-droppingly beautiful rendering of Homer’s Odyssey, the most accessible and enthralling epic of classical Greece. Fagles captures the rapid and direct language of the original Greek, while telling the story of Odysseus in lyrics that ring with a clear, energetic voice. The story itself has never seemed more dynamic, the action more compelling, nor the descriptions so brilliant in detail. It is often said that every age demands its own translation of the classics. Fagles’s work is a triumph because he has not merely provided a contemporary version of Homer’s classic poem, but has located the right language for the timeless character of this great tale. Fagles brings the Odyssey so near, one wonders if the Hollywood adaption can be far behind. This is a terrific book.

“a spectacular book”
This book is very interesant because in this story opic i learned many fellings,the love of Odisseus to his wife, the perseverance and the enthusiasm to see his family.
I like too all aventures that they live, and problems that they have, but Odysseus,can beat all troubles,with this story i lerned the valor of the love, and i was living this aventures when i read this book. If you have the oportunity of read this book, do it!

Este libro es muy interesante porque en esta historia de dioses he aprendido el valor de muchos sentimientos, uno de esos sentimientos es el que mostro Odisseus, el amor a su esposa, y como el apesar de tener muchos problemas y obstaculos que vencer el siguio adelante, por su familia.
En este libro se vive lo que se lee porque es una historia que tiene muchas aventuras, las cuales hacen que uno se transporte hacia ese lugar, de manera que es divertido e interesante leer este libro, en lo personal, yo lo recomiendo! El Odyssey es una historia que nos ensena muchas cosas, pero asi como es interesante, es divertida….more info

A Greek epic
I think this is fantastic translation of a great story. There is a long introduction that explains the nature of the Greek gods, some of the thematic elements to look out for, a description of Homer and the context in which the book was written, and is generally a great reference, especially for those who have little experience with Greek literature. The language has been translated so as to maintain the integrity of the story while making in intelligible. Be aware, this is not light reading, and don’t be ashamed to keep a dictionary and guide at hand.

But most importantly, let yourself become immersed in the story. Don’t read it like a history book, and don’t blow it off if it is assigned reading. Endure the emotional journey with Odysseus, search for understanding with Telemachus. Investigate the story; a tale that survived this long should have made its mark on our society. You don’t have to love it, but I do think you will learn something….more info

dont never give up.
I learn of the odyssey its that if you want something, you could get it if you figth for it, like odyseus figth for go back to home , hi figth with all the goods who impide him to back home and he never give up hi all the time have hope and he make it , and he demostrit that nothing its imposible and you cant do all the things that you want figthing , with hope and thusting in your oun , no matter what the people things , its your life and its your objective, i learn to, that when you love somebodie no matter what hapen, you figth to see that person, becouse you really love him(her) and you want to be all your life with that person, in your home or an any other place but be with that person or with your family. Thats what i learn about the odyssey….more info

An astonishingly good translation
I’ve always loved the Odyssey, and have read many translations of it. But reading Fagles’ translation was almost like reading it for the first time. The language was so clean and vibrant that one could imagine oneself sitting in a room, hearing it spoken by a bard. And, of course, you get an essay by Bernard Knox, whose original and thought provoking essays are always a treat. (His book, “The Oldest Dead White European Males…”, in which he makes an empassioned plea for the classics, but separates himself from those that would devalue any literature outside of the standard western canon, should be required reading for anyone who wants to understand the classics and their relevance to modern day life.)…more info