The Odyssey for Boys and Girls

by Alfred J. Church

Homer's epic poem is one of the oldest works of literature still read today and is here retold in easy language for readers of all ages. Read how Odysseus, king of Ithaca, tries to return home after the Trojan War, and of all the obstacles that get in his way. From man-eating Cyclops to the enchantress Circe trouble lurks around every corner. This edition features images from the original printing, as well as several others to further bring these tales to life.

Genres: Fiction, Literature, Ancient, Classics, Fantasy

133 pages, Paperback

Published July 11, 2021

About the author

Alfred John Church (1829-1912) was an English classical scholar. He was born in London and was educated at King's College London, and Lincoln College, Oxford, he took holy orders and was an assistant-master at Merchant Taylors' School for many years. From 1880 until 1888 he was professor of Latin at University College, London. While at University College in partnership with William Jackson Brodribb, he translated Tacitus and edited Pliny's Letters (Epistulae). Church also wrote a number of stories in English re-telling of classical tales and legends for young people (Stories from Virgil, Stories from Homer, etc. ). He also wrote much Latin and English verse, and in 1908 published his Memories of Men and Books. Other works include: Stories of the Magicians (1887), The Count of the Saxon Shore; or, The Villa in Vectis (with Ruth Putnam) (1888), Heroes of Chivalry and Romance (1898), Stories of Charlemagne (1902), The Crown of Pine (1906) and With the King at Oxford (1909).

Reviews

[Jenny Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud with the kids. A good introduction to the odyssey for all of us. Hoping we’ll all be willing to tackle the real thing some day.

[Sara Hollar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never read The Odyssey until now! (Public educated here.) Pre-read for my Y7 for ancient history and I'm so glad I finally read it!

[Anna Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I didn't write a review for this book the first time I read it. I'm sensing a theme, here. ;)

I really appreciate Church's retellings of these ancient stories. I enjoy reading them and my kids enjoy listening to them. They keep the feel of the ancient text, but put it in words that the kids can understand. I just think they are excellently done.

I enjoyed it so much again this time, that I've bought Church's Herodotus and I'm so excited to start that one with the kids after Christmas!!

[Rachel Behrends · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed by both myself and my eight year old. She loved the story but threatened to knock it down to four because she disapproved of Ulysses's use of trickery and deceit. It gave many opportunities for wonderful narrations and many discussions on character and virtue. Excellent rendition of the great Epic, making it approachable for children and adults alike.

[Alex V · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too long and some of the aspects of the book are completely removed so you cannot say that you know the tale after reading this book, but the author's choice of the essentials is included and makes you return having enjoyed it.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

The sequel to the illiad. i was trying to read the original verson written by homer and turned to this children's version to better understand the jist of the story. It is easier to understand and a lot less work.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Odyssey a epic adventure, the author captured each character brilliant!
Awesome read :)

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great classic--fun to revisit with my younger children.

[Adam Kinunen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super helpful to get up the nerve to read a grownup translation!

[Željko Filipin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to The Odyssey. I have read it in preparation to read The Odyssey, but when I checked my Goodreads, it said I have already read it.

[Brit Chhangur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read aloud with Annie and Calvin, we're all big fans!