The Iliad & The Odyssey

By: Homer

Narrated by: John Lescault

Length: 28 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Little is known about the Ancient Greek oral poet Homer, the supposed 8th century BC author of the world-read Iliad and his later masterpiece, The Odyssey. These classic epics provided the basis for Greek education and culture throughout the classical age and formed the backbone of humane education through the birth of the Roman Empire and the spread of Christianity. If Homer did in fact exist, this supposedly blind poet was from some region of Greek-controlled Asia-Minor and recited his poems at festivals and political assemblies. In this extraordinary two volume audio set, the glorious saga again unfolds, telling the story of courage and magical adventure in Ancient Greece.

The Iliad, the first of Homer's epic poems, tells of the counsel of Nestor, Achilles's slaying of Hector, and the defeat of the Trojans by the Greeks.

In The Odyssey, in his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, Odysseus must pass through the land of the Cyclopes, encounter Circe the Enchantress, and face the terrible Charybdis and the six headed serpent Scylla.

Both epics are translated here by Samuel Butler.

(P)2002 Commuters Library

Wonderful

I enjoyed this completely
It took awhile to listen to it but what a thrill

John Lescault

Harken mortals you son's of men and daughters of fair maidens for great value found here tale of Helen and all her wandering has begotten

As if Homer was reciting the stories himself

While I read the cliff notes way back in school, I could never sit down and actually read these books all the way through on my own. Now I know why. These are fantastic stories meant to be TOLD. The excellent narration voice and style often made me feel like I was sitting in a palace 2800 years ago listening to Homer weave his terrific tales in real life.

This was one I never wanted to end.

Since both stories flow into each other, you really will want to hear both in order to follow the stories of these great Greek heros, so this two book collection is a perfect compilation.

A Test of Endurance?. And well worth it.

Let me start with the biggest issue that all who read (or listen) to this story must know: THE ILIAD ENDS BEFORE THE TROJAN HORSE!!! That?s right. After Hector death the narrator said ?the end.? I spent sometime online and learned that the famous story of the Trojan Horse is to be found in the works of Virgil.

Having said that the Iliad is true test of endurance. There is a solid 45 minutes spent reciting each of the 1,000 ships (as in Helena, the face that launched ?). Endless lists of strange names of people you will never meet again in the story. And the name of people change too. Sometime it is the person name, sometime they are referred to as son of so-and-so, sometime even grandson of so-and-so. The whole book is the endless battle of Troy that not only does not conclude in the book, but every time something decisive is about to happen a god steps in and stops it. I am glad I listened to it, but it was not exactly the most exciting audible book.

The Odyssey, on the other hand, is absolutely incredible. This story actually goes somewhere in fact it goes everywhere. I can?t say enough about this story. But you do have to hang on at the beginning. It starts almost at the end. The first 3 hours take place back at Ithaca while suitors are trying to marry Penelope. Finally we meet up with Odysseus who tells story of his travel. And what a story it is.

So in conclusion, try to make it through the Iliad, but if you find yourself fading jump to download part 3 for the beginning of the Odyssey.

Great Audio

This is a great version for college students. They summarize each section at the beginning and speak very clearly. I have a hard time reading these types of books and was able to fully participate in the class conversations after having listened to this book.

Incredible value, one of the greatest stories ever

This is an incredible value for the two stories that invented literature. And still serve as the basis for most of our modern day adventure stories.

I don't really know what else to say about this great work. It has been around for thousands of years and has had an impact on your life in some way whether you are aware of it or not.

Timeless stories, fairly good narration

As for Homer's stories the Illiad and the Odyssey, they anchor western literature. This narration is decent. It is not annoying; it is eloquent and careful. It isn't 5 stars, but probable between 3 and 4. Bottom line: this is a solid purchase for your audio library.

A Good Version of a Great Story

The single most important thing about this 28+ hour experience is that at the end one understands why these two tales are such classics - not because someone told you, but because you experienced them. The narration is stately and measured and becomes oddly hypnotic at times.

The Iliad

This is a must-read for anyone who is interested in the Greek Mythology. You'll get much more out of this book if you have a base knowledge of the gods, people, geography and events. Going into this book without such a base knowledge and you'll find yourself getting lost with all the names: So & so, son of that guy... Thus he spoke.

A simple story and a lot of gore

What made the experience of listening to The Iliad & The Odyssey the most enjoyable?

I've always been curious about these books and it satisfied my curiosity. The Odyssey had more of a story. The Iliad was mostly about fighting which does not interest me at all.

What could Homer have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Given the characters simpler names in order to keep track of them. These names were probably simpler in his day.

Which character – as performed by John Lescault – was your favorite?

Hector. Even though he was a brutal warrier, he had a soft side.

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

No. Many sessions