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The Odyssey

By: Homer, Robert Fagles - translator
Narrated by: Ian McKellen
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Publisher's summary

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.
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Critic reviews

"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)
"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)

What listeners say about The Odyssey

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High School reading assignment made enjoyable! ! !

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes

Any additional comments?

I would highly recommend this audible book. My son had to read it for school. He did love the storyline, however, before we purchased the audible book, he had been trying to read it in book form. He is a great reader, but even advanced readers can't possibly know how to pronounce all of those Greek names without taking up a lot of extra time. By purchasing this audible book, our son was able to listen to McKellen, who is so enticing to listen to, and not spend any wasted time figuring out names. Now, our son can truly say he ENJOYED the Odyssey, instead of laboring through it. I would highly recommend this audible.com book!

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2 people found this helpful

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Fantastic rendition by Ian McKellen...

Fantastic rendition by Ian McKellen, though I really wish they’d have redone the couple of chapters that sound like his voice has been slowed down. It’s so distracting in an otherwise wonderful listen. I haven’t read this since middle school or early high school. I’m now in my 30’s and it’s truly a wonderful and timeless tale. My favorite repeating phrase has to be: “When Dawn with her rose-red fingers shone once more...” ❤️

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So many literature treasures

I highlighted over and over words the ring so true in our world right now.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Ian McKellen is the man

I haven't touched any Homer since high school and with Ian McKellen as narrator it was a great way to get back into it. Great for long drives if you really like to switch things up.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Ian McKellen does a wonderful narration

Beautifully narrated...I don’t know how many times I’ve read this classic work, but I am astounded by this aural version. Perhaps this is how it should be approached, as it descended to us by oral tradition. Many subtle features I had long forgotten, or had not originally paid much mind to, come announced clearly with all the power of a great epic.

Mr McKellen modulates his voice ever so subtly as he covers the dialogue between various characters yet he maintains his own style throughout. Well done sir!

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Wonderful (but missing notes and introduction)

Any additional comments?

The recording is, of course, wonderful. Giving a

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

HELP

I can download the file!? what do i do? on the last part, after you download teh AD thing.

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Amazing

This book was truly amazing. Ian mckellan kills it, and this story which has been around for so long will never die because of it's greatness. This translation brings it to life. It's amazing that after centuries a story that enthralled ancient greece still does the same to us around the world today.

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The Planet Homer

The artistry of the translation and the power of McKellen's performance brought the story and the style and the whole world of Homer alive for me for the first time. I will be listening to it again and I'm looking forward to Fagle's Iliad as well. The translator seems to be leaving alliterative touches into pentameter verse for a wonderful epic effect.

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These stories were meant to be heard, not read.

Ian McKellen tells this story expressively. It was a delight hearing this story told by such a talented orator.

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