Homer: Odyssey Books XIX and XX / Edition 1

by Homer, R. B. Rutherford

Overview

The Odyssey, besides being one of the world's first adventure stories, is a poem of great subtlety, rich in irony and sophisticated characterization. The poet's art is amply illustrated by books XIX and XX, in which Odysseus, disguised as a beggar, spends the night in his own palace and lays plans for his awesome revenge. Particularly memorable is the episode in which Penelope converses with her husband without suspecting his identity. In this edition, Richard Rutherford provides not only detailed comment on the action, characterization, and style of the books in question, but also, in an extensive introduction, a general survey of the Odyssey as a whole, laying special emphasis on the qualities of the second half of the poem. He also attempts to contribute to the literary criticism of the poem on a verbal level, by considering the poet's use of formulae, rhetorical technique, and similes. This volume is intended for readers of the Odyssey at all stages. The commentary gives extensive linguistic guidance for beginners; and the introduction, in which all Greek is translated, is intended to be accessible to any readers interested in Homer as a poet.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521347600
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/30/1992
Series:	Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	4.84(w) x 7.28(h) x 0.55(d)

About the Author

The ancient Greek poet Homer established the gold standard for heroic quests and sweeping journeys with his pair of classic epic poems, The Iliad and The Odyssey. Crowded with characters, both human and non-human, and bursting with action, the epic tales detail the fabled Trojan War and the adventures of Odysseus as he struggles to return home. Homer’s epics have inspired countless books and works of art throughout their long history.

Table of Contents

Preface; List of abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The poem; 2. Odysseus; 3. Penelope; 4. Transmission and technique; 5. Metre, grammar and text; ODYSSEY XIX; ODYSSEY XX; Commentary; Bibliography; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"This fine commentary, with text...is more than welcome, and is distinguished by a long introduction of ninety-five pages which is remarkable both for its quality and its completeness...This is an altogether admirable book, and one from which scholars at every level should benefit." Times Literary Supplement

From the Publisher