The Odyssey

The Odyssey is one of the oldest stories in Western literature, and one of the most enduring. It tells of Ulysses, the cunning hero of the Trojan War, and his long, perilous journey home to Ithaca, where his wife Penelope and son Telemachus wait amid growing danger. This edition presents the complete epic in the clear prose translation by Samuel Butler, first published in 1900. It is an ideal way to encounter the poem for the first time or to revisit it.

The poem moves from the court of Ithaca to the courts of kings, from the sea to the underworld, and from the tales of monsters and enchantresses to the quiet recognition of a scar. It explores hospitality, loyalty, cunning, and the pain of exile. Readers who enjoy adventure, myth, and stories about family and home will find much to admire. Students and book clubs will find rich material for discussion.

This edition contains the complete text of the Odyssey in Samuel Butler's translation, a new introduction for first-time readers, a character guide, a summary of the story, a discussion of major themes, a glossary of unfamiliar terms, and discussion questions. It is designed to be read and enjoyed, with helpful context but without clutter.