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The Odyssey

By: Homer, Robert Fagles - translator
Narrated by: Ian McKellen
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Publisher's summary

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.

Critic reviews

"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)
"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)

What listeners say about The Odyssey

Average customer ratings
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One of the best

Amazing book by an amazing narrator! Everyone should have the privilege to give it a listen.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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spellbinding voice

great performance!
wonderful translation.
hard to stop listening as it holds the imagination. and I must say this version has increased my appreciation of the story.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Phenomenal, apart from some recording errors

Narrator is stellar, of course! The only problem is two to three chapters in the middle that are recorded too softly with limited quality on the audio. All other chapters make up for it in spades. Love Fagles translation.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly Epic!

This fabled and well established narrator brings to life every one of Odysseus' exploits on his laborious journey back home. With the greatest of ease, I settled into this story enthralled from start to finish. Without a doubt, I knew I would lament it's conclusion, eager as I was to know the final outcome. The producers of this work have served the spirit of the text well. Many thanks to them.....

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who are we to rate the legend?

as said above, who are we to rate what is holier than any holy book and what is more legendary than any legend.

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Timeless masterpiece!!

Homer, translated by Robert Fagles, and read by Ian McKellan! Thundering Zeus himself could scarcely bring greater joy to mortals!!

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Excellent

It hard to review without reveal. So to keep it simple it was, so very captivating, so well written. Simply in awe!

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Good!

I have never personally liked this story. But the way this read, made it easier to stay focused.

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word for word

I was able to listen to this entire poem for a mythology class. its a difficult read if you're not used to reading things like this, but listening to this as I read was really helpful. great work!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Perfect

No-one can beat Sir Ian at this kind of thing. He's probably one of the greatest performers of classical text. He doesn't just recite the verse, he speaks it. He speaks every sentence with immaculately chosen intonations that communicate meaning and emotion perfectly. I can't imagine a better reader to bring out the depth and magic of Homer.

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16 people found this helpful