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The Odyssey  By  cover art

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

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Great reading tarnished by production issues

Wonderful performance by Ian McKellan slightly marred by variable audio quality in the second half.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Masterful reading

Wow, the last few chapters had me in their grip, thanks in part by the performance. What and amazing reading!

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Excellent Listen!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to any one looking for an entertaining story of politics, mystery, power and corruption. I had read the book years ago when I was in high school and thoroughly enjoyed it. It let my imagination just run wild.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I could definitely listen to this book in one sitting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great Fun

I really enjoyed listening to the Odyssey as narrated by Ian McKellen. He did a great job of making it interesting and dramatic. For some reason some chapters sounded a bit muffled, but I think that had to do more with the recording than his voice. The only thing I didn't like about it was that it seemed to drag a bit once Odysseus finally returns to Ithaca.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great story - terrible sound quality

The narration by Ian McKellan was superb, but the sound quality of the recording almost made me stop several times. Unusual for Audible.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Terrific

Sir McKellen could not have been any better. A great story with a great performance.

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Beautifully read

Beautifully readO
X c c v g c g h c h j g k

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    4 out of 5 stars
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A classic nonetheless

The first portion of the book was a bit dry to get into. I stuck through because I remembered enjoying the book on my first read through almost 15yrs ago. There is a turn around in the narrative once Odysseus fully comes into the story. This book is a great classic for historical and world building ideas.

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amazing

the amazing writing of Homer with the intensity of the narrator and the heroism of telamachus and odeseus

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A great read.

I loved this book, it's strange and mysterious and does not hold back from adventure. The narrator does a great job with impressions and putting passion into the narration. :)

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