The Odyssey

by Roger Payne (Illustrator)

Book by

Genres: Childrens

144 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Iset · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very nostalgic re-read for me. This book was a birthday present from my father when I was 7 years old. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read it over the years, but I keep returning to it over and over again. It’s an abridged and illustrated version of Homer’s The Odyssey, the 2800 year old Greek myth about Odysseus’ long journey home from the war at Troy and his adventures along the way. Reading this as a child I was swept away by the exotic locations, the strange and magical adventures, and the excitement and danger. This book sparked a lifelong passion for the ancient world that has latterly driven me all the way to a postgraduate degree and a career in the field. The glorious illustrations are done by Roger Payne, who is notable for the naturalistic way he creates the human form and physiology, and lavishly bring the story to life, and certainly gripped my 7 year old self’s imagination. The book’s just as readable for adults too. It doesn’t use childish language or talk down to the reader, it’s just a shorter version of the legend. I rate it highly because it’s perfect for its intended purpose – an abbreviated yet still compelling adaptation of The Odyssey, chock full of stunning artwork and great for children but equally enjoyable for adults too. I’m immensely fond of this book.

10 out of 10

[Dermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing! this was one of my best loved mythology books as it came out at the perfect moment for me as a bookish 6 year old. I want to get a copy for my son!

[Sarah]

The Odyssey is the classic Greek poem by Homer, which tells the story of Odysseus' long journey home from the Trojan war.

Yes, this illustrated children's retelling is how I'm reading the Odyssey for the first time. And it was honestly great - short recaps of what must be painfully long plot lines, and everything explained really easily. I should read the children's versions of things more often.