Homer Box Set: Iliad & Odyssey

By: Homer, W. H. D. Rouse - translator

Narrated by: Anthony Heald

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are unquestionably two of the greatest epic masterpieces in Western literature. Though more than 2,700 years old, their stories of brave heroics, capricious gods, and towering human emotions are vividly timeless.

The Iliad can justly be called the world’s greatest war epic. The terrible and long-drawn-out siege of Troy remains one of the classic campaigns, the heroism and treachery of its combatants unmatched in song and story. Driven by fierce passions and loyalties, men and gods battle to a devastating conclusion.

The Odyssey chronicles the many trials and adventures Odysseus must pass through on his long journey home from the Trojan wars to his beloved wife. Though the stormy god of the ocean has sworn vengeance against him, and witches and sirens try to lure him off course, Odysseus is clever and has the brilliant goddess Athena on his side.

Homer (9th or 8th century B.C.) is the presumed author of the Iliad and the Odyssey, the two greatest epic poems of ancient Greece. Virtually nothing is known about his life. Tradition has it that he was blind. Most scholars believe he composed the Iliad and the Odyssey by relying on oral traditions. Their value lies chiefly in the poetry itself, moving from sublime passages about the gods and heroic exploits to passages expressing deep human emotion.

Public Domain (P)2008 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The best translation of Homer that I have ever read is by W. H. D. Rouse." (Dudley Fitts)

Best narration I have ever listened to

This is obviously a tried and true epics with great stories of old. What sets this apart is the outstanding narration by Anthony Heald. It was like listening to a play. I bought 3 other classics he narrated just to continue to enjoy his readings.

Great story

Love the performance and story’s best version I’ve ever had listened to it all many times and will listen to it many more times highly recommend this to anyone who likes the myths

Finally.

Thank you. I was finally able to not only get through these, but comprehend and enjoy them. The translation coupled with equally excellent narration made it all possible.
I highly recommend the set.

Bloody and Awesome

I sincerely wonder how much embellishment has been added by the translator. Could the real story several thousand years old be so amazing? This text is yet more amazing than Troy the Brad Pitt movie and all those boring Titan movies. Perhaps we aren't at all more advanced than our ancestors.

Tony Heald's voice will take you there!

As accessible as a covers action and as dynamic as Shakespearean drama, Tony Heald's reading of the Odyssey is superb!