Homer

"Interesting, thoughtful, and well written. The book covers an admirably wide range of issues with clarity and assurance." Barbara Graziosi - Professor of Classics, Durham University Provides readers with exactly what they need to know in order to read the epics with the greatest comprehension and enjoyment. Erwin Cook - T. F. Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities, Trinity University, USA A really good introduction to the Iliad and Odyssey, wearing its learning lightly and conveying a sense of both the delights and the profundity of the Homeric poems. Christopher Pelling - Regius Professor of Greek, University of Oxford A smart book and a stylish piece of writing. Bruce Heiden - Professor of Classics, The Ohio State University Barker and Christensen have written the best introduction I know to the Homeric poems. They explain the main themes, scenes, and characters in clear, jargon-free language that is a pleasure to read, whether for those new to Homer or advanced students. Pura Nieto - Senior Lecturer in Classics, Brown University

An invitation to discover the two most enduring and exciting stories ever to have been told

Widely revered as the father of Western literature, Homer was the author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the epic poems which immortalised such names as Achilles, Cyclops, Menelaus, and Helen of Troy. In this vivid introduction, Elton Barker and Joel Christensen celebrate the complexity, innovation, and sheer excitement of Homer’s two great works. Investigating the controversy surrounding the man behind the myths, they ask who Homer was and whether he even existed.

Making parallels between Homeric hexameter and rap, and between his battle scenes and The Lord of the Rings, the authors highlight how his hugely influential epics deal with ageless questions that still confront us today. Perfect for new readers of the great poet and full of insights that will delight Homeric experts, this book will inspire you to discover – or rediscover – his masterpieces first-hand.