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The Odyssey of Homer
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
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The Odyssey of Homer
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Publisher's Summary
What is it in Homer's Odyssey that has so enthralled readers from around the world for thousands of years? By joining Professor Vandiver for these 12 lectures on the Odyssey, you'll find out why.
This literary exploration centers on a single provocative question about the epic poem's protagonist, Odysseus: Why does he long so powerfully to go home? To probe the depths of this question, you'll embark on meticulous, insightful examinations of the most important episodes in the Odyssey. In doing so, you'll understand the cultural assumptions that lie behind Homer's lines and the critical and interpretive issues involved in truly unpacking this ancient masterpiece.Among the range of episodes, themes, and topics you'll explore are: Odysseus's superb skills as a rhetorician; the abrupt break in the text at the end of the "Great Wanderings" episode, when the poem briefly returns to the third-person narrative; Penelope's knowledge and motives as they relate to the inevitability of her suitors' doom; the effectiveness (or possible lack thereof) in the poem's ending; the historical basis for the Trojan War from which Odysseus returns; and more.
For anyone who's loved the stories of Odysseus's encounters with witches, monsters, and vengeful gods; for anyone who's longed to truly grasp the intricate nature of Homer's epic; or for anyone who has been looking for ways to approach a work that can often be intimidating to first-time readers, these lectures are an invaluable resource and a helpful introduction to the grandest adventure story in Western literature.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
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What listeners say about The Odyssey of Homer
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Patricia
- 2021-05-15
Clear, Cogent, Interesting
Professor has an economical style, wastes no words, packs the lectures with history, context and information that certainly helped me to appreciate this foundational classic. Very well done!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Daphnee
- 2023-01-11
Great overall view and commentary.
I enjoyed both this course and the one on the Iliad that I did first. Both courses complement each other quite well. Professor Vandiver is very knowledgeable, and I learned a lot. I also appreciate learning about the issues that have been/are still debated among scholars in the field. I highly recommend these courses to anyone as they are easy to follow.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Kindle Customer
- 2019-01-14
Accessible
Thank you for making this accessible to me and so interesting , with cultural interpretations.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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- Volume book buyer
- 2018-09-15
Interesting Review of the story
I'm mildly obsessed by The Odyssey. These lectures reminded me why it's such a ripping story, and why it's had such a profound influence on Western culture. The lectures are geared to an audience that wants to understand the story rather than being an esoteric, scholarly examination of the text. It's Odyssey 101. The lecturer is knowledgeable and passionate about her topic. #Audible1
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Arvin
- 2017-11-10
Clear, educational and entertaining.
Professor Vandiver's clear and well-organized approach has always been enjoyable to listen to. This is the second course that I have finished listening to, with ease, and I look forward to listening to other courses by Professor Vandiver.
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- Ilia
- 2018-01-26
very nice and stimulating. I may read actual poem
I would recommend this book to anyone . detailed coverage of the story with deep analysis of events and meanings.
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