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The Odyssey

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The Odyssey

By: Homer, Robert Fagles - translator
Narrated by: Ian McKellen
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About this listen

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. Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Classics Collections Mythology Ancient History

Critic Reviews

1997, Audie Awards, Winner
"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)

"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)
All stars
Most relevant  
Enjoyed the classic story.
However it lost a star because of a jarring whistle/ trumpet noise that sometimes gets played.

very good, but poor production

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this audio book is so well read, and honnestly; the perfect companion for long drives

fantastic tale, the most beautifully written epic

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I’ve listened to this several times. Fagles’ translation is thrilling but McKellens performance is simply astonishing. How is it even humanly possibly for him to give such intonation to a sentence is beyond me. Absolutely brilliant.

My vote for the greatest audiobook of all time

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Who better to narrate Poseidon’s zeal of ‘You shall not pass’ that is the story of poor Odysseus & his trials returning home from the Battle of Troy than Ian McKellen.

The oldest & most enduring slow burn story ever told. Whilst the reader is left in no doubt as to the ending from the opening chapter, the protagonist’s thirst for justice & revenge is shared by the reader who shares Odysseus journey. Like the best slow burn stories the payoff is well worth the journey that is filled with wondrous tales.

Superbly performed by Ian McKellen.

‘You shall not pass.’

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Robert Fagles translation is wonderful poetic adaptation with a rhythmic drive and the performance of Sir Ian McKellen is absolutely suberb. There is, however, some annoying and distracting music (sounds like a toddler poking at 1980s synthesiser) which randomly intrudes for a few seconds every now and then; not a big issue, but it would be great if it wasn't there. I still highly recommend this book though.

Great Translation and Performance

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I a great read no doubt & a story from history, no less. however the music does nothing & the story trails on. The performance is amazing.

A classic but trying

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Excellent story of one man's journey back home from War, will definitely listen again 👍

Homeward

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Perfectly read, additional touches of music added a regal feel. I would have struggled to finish the book but found myself bingeing this audiobook!

Captivating classic

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I live this story and I loved the performance
Just great got nothing else to say.

Great

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Robert Fagles's translation is modern and listenable without being crude. Ian McClellan's Shakespearean experience is crystal clear and precise. No mumbling or dropping intonations.

Odysseus for modern ears

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