Homer's Iliad and the Odyssey

Two of the Greatest Stories Ever Told

By: Gillian Cross

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

When first published, Walker’s versions of the Iliad and the Odyssey attracted attention for the quality of the writing.

Multi-award-winning author Gillian Cross makes two of the greatest stories in the world come alive for children in her strong, clear, deceptively simple retellings, which are faithful to the spirit and structure of Homer’s epic poems, and this new bind-up in a friendly format comes complete with an introduction.

©2018 Gillian Cross (P)2019 W. F. Howes Ltd

Tall Tales, Honor and Glory

These timeless stories abbreviated by Mr. Cross and wonderfully narrated by Mr. Pugh are a great review or potentially a terrific introduction to Homer’s work. As to whether the bard was one person or a compilation of many bards over centuries retelling these tales of fallible mankind’s search for honor and glory before they were finally incorporated into codex, consider listening to Elizabeth Vandiver’s interpretative Great Courses series on The Iliad and The Odyssey.

Welcome introduction to Homer for mere mortals

Apparently, these abridged and simplified versions of Homer's famous works were meant for children. Well, this middle-aged man has to say, thanks be for these versions and their accessibility, because I'm not sure I'd ever have been able to wrap my average brain around the language in the more complete translations. Thank you, Gillian Cross!

I've now been able to enhance my appreciation of the works with the analysis provided by professors in the great courses, etc. And I might even someday attempt to get through a more rigorous translation.

One interesting note - this simplified version of the Odyssey recounts the events of the story in chronological order, which is probably a good strategy considering this is a simplified version. In the actual Odyssey, the events are presented in a much different way, with flashbacks and the like creating a dramatic tension of their own. For example, in the non-simplified versions, Odysseus doesn't even appear in the story until a significant amount of material is presented.

Also, some critical backstory to the Iliad (even though it isn't in the story itself) is helpfully presented, specifically the golden apple episode and how it led to Greece attacking Troy.

Great classic

What can I say? This is a great classic novel. A must read for your library.

Grateful

I was about to buy the unabridged version of Homers Odyssey and the Iliad but I decided to go for this four hours summary and I am glad I did. Judging from the details of the story I would have been lost a 100 times in the unabridged version. it’s beautifully written. The narrator’s neatness adds to the clarity of the events.

my 9 yo son loved it

my son loved it! he really enjoyed it a lot. fifteen words is alot