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The Odyssey

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The Odyssey

Written by: Homer, Robert Fagles - translator
Narrated by: Ian McKellen
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About this listen

The Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey through life. In the myths and legends that are retold here, the energy and poetry of Homer's original is captured in a bold, contemporary idiom, giving us an edition of The Odyssey that is a joy to listen to, worth savoring and treasuring for its sheer lyrical mastery.

This audiobook is sure to delight both the classicist and the general listener and to captivate a new generation of Homer's students.

(P) and ©1996 Penguin Books USA Inc. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics

What the critics say

1997, Audie Awards, Winner
"It's a deeply satisfying experience to listen to McKellen's subtle, resonant voice weave the story. Cherish the images as the web of this great tale is woven before the eyes of the mind." (AudioFile)

"To re-create a world where everything is living...is very nearly as difficult as to create it. Fagles does this with triumphant assurance; every arrowhead flashes lightning, every bush burns; Homer is with us." (James Dickey)
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A classic tale that is wonderfully read by Ian Mcellen, he brings the story to life!

Ian Mcellen brings this story to life!

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It really was well read. The only downside was the music between chapters and other places; that could have been done without with no loss at all.

Really good narration.

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I adore this book. The narration can’t be beat.
If only he would narrate the Iliad.

Excellent use of a credit

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You had me at ‘Sir Ian McKellen reads The Odyssey’! I’m thrilled to have this audiobook. Of course Sir Ian’s narration is fantastic, and I enjoy the translation. It’s easy to listen to and engrossing and I suspect Robert Fagles had a pretty good sense of the language and context when he decided to use phrases like “playing fast and loose”; it isn’t stuffy or dry like one might expect. Absolutely loved it!

Eminently listenable

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Like all ancient epics, The Odyssey has moments of slow pacing that require some perseverance. However, more so than in any other, these lulls are consistently rewarded with something truly remarkable on the other side. The story is rich with profound metaphors for life, and the entire narrative serves as an allegory for a man’s journey through life. Many of the iconic characters and tropes you know from the western cultural zeitgeist find their origins here.

Unlike other epics that often focus on the brutal virtues of war and the need for violence, the Odyssey emphasizes cunning, wit, and the difficulty navigating between equally undesirable choices. It explores the sorrow and horror of life’s hardships that are thrust upon us due to no merit of our own (by “the gods”) making it deeply resonant and enduring even for those of us whose biggest battles have been food poisoning or anxiety.

Robert Fagles’ translation strikes an impressive balance, capturing the grand, almost ‘baroque’ richness of the text without resorting to archaic or overly complex language. The narration is excellent, adding to the timelessness of this epic.

The best of the ancient epics

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This is actually my second purchase of this particular version of this audiobook. My first was during university with the tape version bought through my campus bookstore. It is basically the identical version that is presented here today. Which means as with the original tapes there are some problems. There is some audio level mistakes, some pops, and blips over the presentation of the material but nothing that really overall hinders the recording. Everything is understandable especially if you are following along with the written work (which for me, actually really helps me to understand). And with this version being digital, it is much easier to take on the road with you. Its a lot harder to find a tape player that works in a vehicle these days.

As for the story, The Odyssey is one of those stories you either love or you hate. Its long, and windy and is written in epic poetry using lots of hyperbole, metaphors, and invocation but when you understand the story it becomes thrilling. You rise up with Odysseus and come crashing down with him in every movement. The amount of suffering one man goes through to return home is outrageous and you hope that something good happens to him only to realize that there is too much story left for something not to happen. You feel with the characters even though their stories are usually told through others. And that was the point of these stories. To be told to others, to entertain others and to teach and that is what The Odyssey does. It teaches numerous themes through the stories that it presents and you can find those themes in countless stories because of The Odyssey. Overall I give The Odyssey a high regard. It is one of those stories everyone has to read, everyone should read even if they battle through it because it is worth it in the end.

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What can you say about "The Odyssey"...

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That weird digital pan flute sound clip that plays every so often, it sucks, and in no way benefits the story. Its obnoxious.

I only have one complaint

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Sir Ian McKellen was a great choice for narrator and he does a great job at keeping my interest vested.

Audio is choppy and low quality

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this version by Ian McKellen is so immersive. he has such a way with bringing these characters to life. the book itself is okay-ish. but McKellen makes it worth it!

A great performance!

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Brilliant reading/performance marred by the worst sibilance unimaginable. Whoever the recording engineer was did everyone a dissssservissss to all lissssteners.

Sssssssibilance

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