The Odyssey of Homer: The Grand Illustrated Edition: Unrivaled in Completeness, with Historical Notes and Glossary

This amazing edition of the Odyssey includes several appropriately epic and nicely chosen illustrations that help the story along. It also includes highly useful and relevant commentary at the end. This is, after all, one of the first adventure tales ever written (maybe the first) and its reconstruction centuries after is, itself, a hugely significant story for lovers of the written word. The modest but valuable commentary at the end of this book is both easily consumed and highly valuable to the reader in creating the context for Homer's tale. It helps place this work within the context of the time it was written. Not only is the Odyssey itself worth reading (and rereading) but I definitely can recommend this particular edition as well worthy of ownership.

"The Odyssey of Homer: The Grand Illustrated Edition" is a masterpiece that breathes new life into this timeless epic. The beautiful illustrations perfectly complement Homer’s narrative, adding depth and visual appeal to every page. This edition is not only complete and meticulously translated, but it also includes invaluable historical notes and a detailed glossary, making it an ideal choice for both new readers and long-time enthusiasts. The added historical context helps you understand the nuances of Greek mythology and the world in which these incredible adventures unfold. If you’re looking to immerse yourself fully in the journey of Odysseus, this edition is unrivaled in its detail, elegance, and presentation. A must-have for any literature lover or collector! Highly recommend!

If you want to read great literature written by a genius of the time, this will not disappoint. The illustrations really help to understand and visualize the time and situations. I will recommend buying the book rather than reading on your phone, much better visualization and formatting.

The text begins faithful to the Butler translation of the 1921 second edition, but quickly deviates. Which of us is to gauge the best source of this epic tale, which is over two thousand years old? It would have been nice if the editor provided the source of the translation however. I enjoyed the glossary but found the descriptions too brief in many cases. Hera is not just "Queen of the gods" nor is Hermes just a "Messenger god." Nausicaa besides being a "Phaeacian princess who helped Odysseus," is also proposed by Butler as being the actual author of the epic. Still, here we have a telling of a saga which has transcended the centuries. Check it out!

The Odyssey of Homer: The Grand Illustrated Edition is a wonderful improvement of a timeless classic. As an English major, I've read the Odyssey several times, and the addition of illustrations, historical context, and glossary provides a rich understanding of the time, places, and people in the story and the impact the story had on its time. The illustrations throughout were vibrant and beautiful (although the spacing of text around them was sometimes off), I enjoyed seeing the journey unfold in the artwork.

This is a nice classic with very cool artwork that brings the story to life. The author did a good job with capturing the essence of the story and presenting it in a modern way that captures the attention of the reader. So if you're a fan of this classic, you'll enjoy it even more.

I read this book at university decades ago and wanted an up-to-date version. No doubt it was created, given the increased attention to this work with the release of the new film starring Ralph Fiennes as Odysseus. The cover is excellent, which is what made me buy. The prose clips along and has a much more contemporary feel than the last translation I read. However, some significant formatting issues detract from the book's enjoyment. Most of the images are 'stretched' so that body shapes are distorted, and many of them aren't formatted correctly, so that the image page also has one word from the text taking up a third of the space. An easy fix, and stylistically, the images are great! I was reading on my iPhone 16 Pro Max on the Kindle app, and I also found the abrupt, irregular line spacing changes in the formatting distracting - the line spacing halves visibly from pages 234 to 248 and again from 266 to 307. Fix the formatting issues, and this will be a great version to bring a new audience to this timeless classic.

I’ve tried to read Homer’s Odyssey many times over the years, but I could never get through it—until now. This Grand Illustrated Edition 2024 transformed the experience. The stunning artwork, clear modernized translation, and rich historical notes pulled me straight into Odysseus’ world. For the first time, I wasn’t just reading the epic—I was living it.

This Collector’s Edition of The Odyssey makes Homer’s epic truly accessible and enjoyable. The flowing modern translation keeps the story vivid without losing its power, while helpful notes and a clear glossary add real value. Stunning original illustrations and the large-format design make this book perfect for reading, studying, or gifting to any classic lover.

I’ve always loved the stories from Homer’s epics—those heroic adventures, legendary battles, and unforgettable journeys. But I have to admit, I’ve never actually read The Odyssey in its entirety. Many of the tales I know came from films or other retellings, rather than the original text. That’s why I’m so glad to have found The Odyssey of Homer: The Grand Illustrated Edition. This edition feels like the perfect opportunity to finally sit down and truly experience the full work as it was meant to be read. With its illustrations, glossary, and historical notes, it promises to make the journey not only more accessible but also more immersive. I’m looking forward to taking the time to study and appreciate this classic in its complete form carefully. It feels like finally giving this timeless masterpiece the respect it deserves.

Having read Homer's Odyssey before, many years ago now, I was naturally intrigued to what this offered. What it offers is background to add context to the narrative that can often leave some readers behind, and the occasional, beautifully rendered image to imbue your read with atmosphere is a welcome addition. If you're interested in absorbing some older texts but find that undertaking a little daunting, this is a great avenue to doing so. Don't be put off by the cover image, which I found to be ever so child-minded in its execution, all inside is well and worthy.

I loved how the historical notes added depth to the story, giving a richer understanding of the context. The illustrations were a beautiful bonus, making the entire reading experience even more engaging.

Homer’s The Odyssey: The Grand Illustrated Edition is far more than just another version of the epic poem. This edition stands out for its visual richness and the depth of historical content it provides. Gustave Dulac’s breathtaking illustrations perfectly capture the magic and drama of Odysseus’ adventures, making every page an immersive experience. The detailed historical notes and comprehensive glossary offer valuable cultural context, enriching the reader’s understanding and revealing nuances often overlooked. Samuel Butler’s modernized translation retains the poetic beauty of the original work while enhancing readability, making it accessible even to those new to Homer’s epic. This edition is perfect not only for students and scholars but also for anyone who appreciates classical literature. Ideal for display in any library, it strikes the perfect balance between academic rigor and aesthetic beauty.