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Usborne Classics Retold
The Adventures Of Ulysses
This book has been considered by academicians and scholars of great significance and value to literature. This forms a part of the knowledge base for future generations. So that the book is never forgotten we have represented this book in a print format as the same form as it was originally first published. Hence any marks or annotations seen are left intentionally to preserve its true nature.
158 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1902
About the author
Charles Lamb
2,171 books200 followersCharles Lamb was an English essayist with Welsh heritage, best known for his "Essays of Elia" and for the children's book "Tales from Shakespeare", which he produced along with his sister,
Mary Lamb
(1764–1847).
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 17, 2018
It was fun going through Ulysses adventures again, but this isn't the way to do it. The adventures are taken from the "Odyssey" & his name in Greek is Odysseus. OK, this is the Latin version so his name is Ulysses & so I'd expect the gods & goddesses to use their Latin names. They did - sometimes - not always. Athena was Minerva about half the time. Annoying, although I had no trouble translating.
I wonder if that was this audio recording, though. I downloaded it recently from the library
https://kyunbound.overdrive.com/boone...
The narrator is supposed to be Rebecca Dittman. She sure sounds like a guy, though. The bit rate is supposed to be 64kbps, but it must have been upped from 16kbps. There was also a distinct difference between tracks. It's very much like old cassettes I ripped 20 years ago.
On top of all that, big parts of the story were skimmed through as this was written as a lead-in to the adventures of his son, Telemachus. OK, but leaving in long, twisted dialogue kind of sucked. Felt like rush hour traffic - start & stop. And he left out Ulysses' dog. No excuse for that.
Anyway, not recommended. 1.5 stars rounding up to 2 since I made it through.
I wonder if that was this audio recording, though. I downloaded it recently from the library
https://kyunbound.overdrive.com/boone...
The narrator is supposed to be Rebecca Dittman. She sure sounds like a guy, though. The bit rate is supposed to be 64kbps, but it must have been upped from 16kbps. There was also a distinct difference between tracks. It's very much like old cassettes I ripped 20 years ago.
On top of all that, big parts of the story were skimmed through as this was written as a lead-in to the adventures of his son, Telemachus. OK, but leaving in long, twisted dialogue kind of sucked. Felt like rush hour traffic - start & stop. And he left out Ulysses' dog. No excuse for that.
Anyway, not recommended. 1.5 stars rounding up to 2 since I made it through.
October 22, 2014
A shortened version of The Odyssey intended for children, edited and recast by early 19th century educator Charles Lamb. Only the journey of Ulysses himself is included, the concurrent story of Telemachus's search for his father completely omitted, with brevity further achieved by 'avoiding the prolixity which marks the speeches and the descriptions in Homer.'(!?)
As such, all the episodes are retold in bright and breezy fashion, with some, such as the stay in the land of the Lotus-eaters and the unfortunate meeting with the Laestrygonians, being dispensed with in a single paragraph.
The encounter with Polyphemus is summarized as 'manifest proof how far manly wisdom excels brutish force', which is a fair assessment. Pretty much the only concession to any kind of modernizing to clarify things for the young readership is when Sisyphus is referred to as 'a seller of state secrets'.
Any attempt to introduce The Odyssey to children is all right in my book, and I know that Lamb's version was still popular at schools a hundred years after he wrote it. I don't think it would be now though.
He skips a little too swiftly over the superior action of the first half, whilst lingering too long on the more sedate episodes later one; and when dialogue is used, his approach is too versified for a 21st century reader.
As such, all the episodes are retold in bright and breezy fashion, with some, such as the stay in the land of the Lotus-eaters and the unfortunate meeting with the Laestrygonians, being dispensed with in a single paragraph.
The encounter with Polyphemus is summarized as 'manifest proof how far manly wisdom excels brutish force', which is a fair assessment. Pretty much the only concession to any kind of modernizing to clarify things for the young readership is when Sisyphus is referred to as 'a seller of state secrets'.
Any attempt to introduce The Odyssey to children is all right in my book, and I know that Lamb's version was still popular at schools a hundred years after he wrote it. I don't think it would be now though.
He skips a little too swiftly over the superior action of the first half, whilst lingering too long on the more sedate episodes later one; and when dialogue is used, his approach is too versified for a 21st century reader.
May 5, 2022
Better read the original The Odyssey. I understand Lamb wanted to make it more accessible for a younger audience, but he removes to much of the interesting style of Homer. He changed the narrative to chronological, while what Homer did was way more interesting. He also changed a lot of details for no apparent reason. I think The Odyssey is a master work, and this just a hollow echo.
October 3, 2012
Obviously missing out on a lot of the beautiful language and epic feel of the original, nonetheless enjoyable. I dearly love the character of Ulysses - the strong man who lives more by his wits than by his biceps - even though they are poppin'! There's a picaresque quality to his adventures that I find appealing everytime.
December 29, 2016
(...) to imagine that prospective penitence can excuse a present violation of duty...
June 4, 2014
This book is fiction. Be prepared.
SUMMARY- His queen and son miss him dearly. Ulysses has been gone for nearly seven years. The great soldier named Ulysses is traveling back to his kingdom after the Trojan War. He has many obstacles in his way, the cyclops, the lotus,and many more dangers to get home before a new king is chosen.
COMPARING- Well, this was definitely my face while comparing this book to the movie Percy Jackson the lightning thief.
Firstly, I dislike fantasy novels and novels that involve mythology so much, I personally do not see any creativity or imagination in them whatsoever. I get bored.
The storytelling is too hard for me to understand. So you're probably wondering why I would decide to pick one up and read it now. I'm being completely honest this book is 150 pages, and a super easy read so that's why. And also a Rick riordan book (the Olympian series author) is at least 300-500 pages and very slow. That's also why I didn't ever finish Percy Jackson the lightning thief. So,I watched the movie. And this book was way better. Every page had a suspense that kept me reading, while trying to read Rick Riordans book I almost fell asleep. The success of the book, is very strong. Considering, the story doesn't lag once and is super easy to comprehend. Yes I liked it, it was the only adventure book I'm probably ever going to like. This story is a classic, even if you are not into mythology and fantasy stories.
CONNECTIONS- In the hunger games, Katniss takes Prims place to go to the Hunger Games. There is a family relationship, just like Ulysses and Telemachus. Telemachus sacrifices himself to go on a search for Ulysses. Another connection, Edward Cullen from the twilight series and the Cyclops in this book both are categorized as monsters. But honestly, they both are very mysterious characters but even edward whom is a vampire seems to have more of a soul than the Cyclops in this short novel.
COUNTERARGUMENT- Why wouldn't someone want to read this? If someone does not like Greek mythology, or dislikes adventure books. This book has a very odd way of saying the characters name. I could understand that someone would not want to read this because of all the long, weird names. Someone who likes to read romantic novels, this book is not for you. For example, if you read the book twilight and loved the long romance saga. Twilight kept my attention the whole time. In this book it is not easy trying to figure out the romantic parts. Seriosuly Edward Cullen is so cute, like a puppy.
Ratings (Popular movies that are based on books)
5-Lord of the Rings
4-Twilight saga
3- The Hunger Games
2- Percy Jackson the lightning theif
1- Eragon
This book is definitely a 4.5 rate. Reasons are because, the twilight saga is a very well known popular story. Lord of the Rings is a long odyssey, both these stories are well-known and this book The Adventures of Ulysses, would be a great movie if it was exactly like the book.
The perfect audience for this book is someone who has read any of the Olympian series Rick Riordan has written. Mainly because this book is in that category, but also Percy Jackson is similar to the character Ulysses. Both characters are brave, good-looking, adventurous, and the protagonist of the story. Another audience would be fans of fantasy books and maybe romance books. There is some romance in this adventure. While Ulysses is trying to get back to his queen, she is missing him and he is missing her.
OPINION OF THEME/ PLOT- I would say the theme in this novel is leadership, to stand alone, when no one else agrees with you. I say this because, several times in the story the main characters take action. "Take control! You should show them who's really in charge around here." Athene says to Telemachus, when Athene says this Telemachus goes in front of the whole town and feels the courage to speak up and say what he feels. He was inspired by Athene, and he stands alone in front of the town, and to his father he stands alone to take responsibility of the town.Another theme could be accepting your destiny. Telemachus accepts his destiny when his father tells the townspeople that if ever he has to leave again, The Queen and Telemachus stays in charge. Calypso accepts the fact that she had to let go Ulysses, because he was not meant for her. And many other characters learn their destiny and deal with it.
Well just look at this ugly monster directly below...this is why I don’t read mythology books, this dude is a freak. In twilight, there are no ugly creepy monsters. There is milky almost translucent vampires. Which I prefer trying to imagine a vampire instead of this freak underneath.
Okay the main antagonist Poseidon is not fancy. He's another annoying God that can't get over himself. Ugh, like where do I start? Let's see, I could understand being a little upset with Ulysses after he frustrated Poseidon's son (the freaky Cyclops). But crashing his boat into thousands of tiny pieces, while Ulysses has been at sea for seventeen days is unnecessary. Poseidon, just because you can make a wave the size of cliff doesn't prove anything, so can your son percy, big deal. You should have just killed Ulysses at sea while you had the chance, now he's already reached land. Haha, loser.
This is what I really wanted to do to the drunkards who surround the kingdom while Telemachus and Ulysses is gone. Just hiyah! I found it really annoying when they kept disrespecting the queen, and trashing the kingdom. Like bye I hate y'all.
And finally this is how I see Ulysses, a typical prince charming. With hazel eyes, like Zac Efron and teased hair. Also, I feel like Zac Efron wears his leather jacket to protect him from the cold, like when Ulysses wears the veil Ino (a sea goddess) gives him to protect himself from harm while he is in the water.
SUMMARY- His queen and son miss him dearly. Ulysses has been gone for nearly seven years. The great soldier named Ulysses is traveling back to his kingdom after the Trojan War. He has many obstacles in his way, the cyclops, the lotus,and many more dangers to get home before a new king is chosen.
COMPARING- Well, this was definitely my face while comparing this book to the movie Percy Jackson the lightning thief.
Firstly, I dislike fantasy novels and novels that involve mythology so much, I personally do not see any creativity or imagination in them whatsoever. I get bored.
The storytelling is too hard for me to understand. So you're probably wondering why I would decide to pick one up and read it now. I'm being completely honest this book is 150 pages, and a super easy read so that's why. And also a Rick riordan book (the Olympian series author) is at least 300-500 pages and very slow. That's also why I didn't ever finish Percy Jackson the lightning thief. So,I watched the movie. And this book was way better. Every page had a suspense that kept me reading, while trying to read Rick Riordans book I almost fell asleep. The success of the book, is very strong. Considering, the story doesn't lag once and is super easy to comprehend. Yes I liked it, it was the only adventure book I'm probably ever going to like. This story is a classic, even if you are not into mythology and fantasy stories.
CONNECTIONS- In the hunger games, Katniss takes Prims place to go to the Hunger Games. There is a family relationship, just like Ulysses and Telemachus. Telemachus sacrifices himself to go on a search for Ulysses. Another connection, Edward Cullen from the twilight series and the Cyclops in this book both are categorized as monsters. But honestly, they both are very mysterious characters but even edward whom is a vampire seems to have more of a soul than the Cyclops in this short novel.
COUNTERARGUMENT- Why wouldn't someone want to read this? If someone does not like Greek mythology, or dislikes adventure books. This book has a very odd way of saying the characters name. I could understand that someone would not want to read this because of all the long, weird names. Someone who likes to read romantic novels, this book is not for you. For example, if you read the book twilight and loved the long romance saga. Twilight kept my attention the whole time. In this book it is not easy trying to figure out the romantic parts. Seriosuly Edward Cullen is so cute, like a puppy.
Ratings (Popular movies that are based on books)
5-Lord of the Rings
4-Twilight saga
3- The Hunger Games
2- Percy Jackson the lightning theif
1- Eragon
This book is definitely a 4.5 rate. Reasons are because, the twilight saga is a very well known popular story. Lord of the Rings is a long odyssey, both these stories are well-known and this book The Adventures of Ulysses, would be a great movie if it was exactly like the book.
The perfect audience for this book is someone who has read any of the Olympian series Rick Riordan has written. Mainly because this book is in that category, but also Percy Jackson is similar to the character Ulysses. Both characters are brave, good-looking, adventurous, and the protagonist of the story. Another audience would be fans of fantasy books and maybe romance books. There is some romance in this adventure. While Ulysses is trying to get back to his queen, she is missing him and he is missing her.
OPINION OF THEME/ PLOT- I would say the theme in this novel is leadership, to stand alone, when no one else agrees with you. I say this because, several times in the story the main characters take action. "Take control! You should show them who's really in charge around here." Athene says to Telemachus, when Athene says this Telemachus goes in front of the whole town and feels the courage to speak up and say what he feels. He was inspired by Athene, and he stands alone in front of the town, and to his father he stands alone to take responsibility of the town.Another theme could be accepting your destiny. Telemachus accepts his destiny when his father tells the townspeople that if ever he has to leave again, The Queen and Telemachus stays in charge. Calypso accepts the fact that she had to let go Ulysses, because he was not meant for her. And many other characters learn their destiny and deal with it.
Well just look at this ugly monster directly below...this is why I don’t read mythology books, this dude is a freak. In twilight, there are no ugly creepy monsters. There is milky almost translucent vampires. Which I prefer trying to imagine a vampire instead of this freak underneath.
Okay the main antagonist Poseidon is not fancy. He's another annoying God that can't get over himself. Ugh, like where do I start? Let's see, I could understand being a little upset with Ulysses after he frustrated Poseidon's son (the freaky Cyclops). But crashing his boat into thousands of tiny pieces, while Ulysses has been at sea for seventeen days is unnecessary. Poseidon, just because you can make a wave the size of cliff doesn't prove anything, so can your son percy, big deal. You should have just killed Ulysses at sea while you had the chance, now he's already reached land. Haha, loser.
This is what I really wanted to do to the drunkards who surround the kingdom while Telemachus and Ulysses is gone. Just hiyah! I found it really annoying when they kept disrespecting the queen, and trashing the kingdom. Like bye I hate y'all.
And finally this is how I see Ulysses, a typical prince charming. With hazel eyes, like Zac Efron and teased hair. Also, I feel like Zac Efron wears his leather jacket to protect him from the cold, like when Ulysses wears the veil Ino (a sea goddess) gives him to protect himself from harm while he is in the water.
February 8, 2018
I read this as supplemental material for Ulysses, since it was Joyce's first introduction to the character. What really made it interesting was the comparison between this English school adaptation from the 19th century, and Emily Wilson's translation of the Odyssey, released in 2017. Lamb's version seems to make the story even more masculine than previous translations I've read, such as Fagles or Graves, while Wilson's updated translation illuminates a character whose problems are most often caused by masculinity. Despite its social shortcomings, however, Lamb's version of the story is interesting, and has some rather beautiful instances of poetic license. All-in-all, it's worth reading, provided you have the right context.
January 6, 2026
Ok, ok, I read the bad reviews, but this was written for 21st century readers with modern vernacular which I appreciated. I hear there were scenarios of the Odyssey that were left out and there were head scratching inconsistencies. But it was easy reading and a good way to ease into the mythology ahead of the Christopher Nolan movie coming out this summer with Matt Damon.
I read Circe and this book didn't do her justice, but I didn't expect it to. I was a bit confused as to whether Calypso was one and the same as Circe or yet another sorceress.
It was a quick read and fun magical interventions by Athena as described.
I read Circe and this book didn't do her justice, but I didn't expect it to. I was a bit confused as to whether Calypso was one and the same as Circe or yet another sorceress.
It was a quick read and fun magical interventions by Athena as described.
February 4, 2026
I’ve only ever read The Iliad in this type of novel, so I didn’t know this was a much shortened version of The Odyssey. It’s a great tale. I genuinely enjoyed this and will be reading the full version at some point this year. I feel that many people need to learn the lessons preached in these stories. Ulysses trusts in his gods and calls for everyone to believe in their values. Treating people with kindness regardless of rank or background is one of the primary lessons.
August 4, 2026
This was really so beautiful. Such elegant language and just a joy to read, throughout. I wonder if it was Lamb's intention to make his adaptation feel centered on Telemachus, as from my understanding he wrote this to be accessible to younger readers. Reminds me of how strong the Christopher Nolan film adaptation places an emphasis on Telemachus. Makes me reconsider the whole tale as possibly being more or less for children, even as Homer intended. Strangely thought-provoking read.
June 22, 2021
Li este livro em preparação para a leitura de "Ulysses", de James Joyce. É meu primeiro livro sobre a mitologia clássica, o qual recomendo com entusiasmo. Sugiro também as traduções adaptadas de David Bruce, onde descobri que os cursos da Prof. Elizabeth Vandiver são absolutamente imperdíveis para conhecer o mundo da mitologia.
August 3, 2024
Enthralling book, which I read slowly to get the best out of it. Lovely illustrations, and annotations.
It's a bit sad that the annotations were not directly connected to teach words as hypertext.
But it was a still good read, exciting advnture
It's a bit sad that the annotations were not directly connected to teach words as hypertext.
But it was a still good read, exciting advnture
July 8, 2023
Great book. I listened to the audiobook version on YouTube. I will leave the link below so that everyone can enjoy it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ZI2...
May 31, 2026
A good insight into his adventures and summarised to make it more accessible 👍 Excited and eager to read the original Homer's account now to dive in deeper and in detail of this mythology. 🙌
June 28, 2026
author talks about ulysses in old town, his adventures. author uses good vocabulory.
January 8, 2015
Lamb includes the main details of Homer's Odyssey, but skips the first third of Homer's poem and gets right to Ulysses' adventures.
I liked Lamb for his beautiful language and for daring to make moral judgments, calling the greedy sailors "covetous wretches" and the Cyclops a "cannibal." When Ulysses' men eat oxen reserved for the gods, Lamb describes the feast a "rash and sacrilegious banquet." He gives details about Ulysses' descent into hell and of the horrible punishments being suffered there. And he emphasizes Ulysses' choosing to be faithful to his wife in spite of the repeated advances of Calypso.
Although this version is somewhat simplified for children, it is not completely "sanitized." There are some gory bits, some scary monsters and several women out to seduce Ulysses. Nothing rated "R", though.
I liked Lamb for his beautiful language and for daring to make moral judgments, calling the greedy sailors "covetous wretches" and the Cyclops a "cannibal." When Ulysses' men eat oxen reserved for the gods, Lamb describes the feast a "rash and sacrilegious banquet." He gives details about Ulysses' descent into hell and of the horrible punishments being suffered there. And he emphasizes Ulysses' choosing to be faithful to his wife in spite of the repeated advances of Calypso.
Although this version is somewhat simplified for children, it is not completely "sanitized." There are some gory bits, some scary monsters and several women out to seduce Ulysses. Nothing rated "R", though.
June 10, 2015
This retelling of Ulysses by Anna Claybourne may be a good place to start for young fans of Greek mythology. The beginning was a bit slow but once it got started it rolled along ok. This may be a problem with the story bouncing between Ulysses and Telemachus. There was a black and white illustration at the end that may be a bit graphic. And the words throughout the book, primarily names and places, all have Greek lineage so they are a bit tough to say if reading out loud. There is a pronunciation guide at the back of the book. I do like the overall story and this telling goes fairly well. I’d expect this to mainly attract elementary age boys. For a short book, I wouldn’t avoid it but there are definitely better things to be reading.
January 12, 2012
The Adventures of Ulysses is a very interesting,extremely detailed book and the one version of the legend I have found that is interesting and truly tells the story of Ulysses. It tells about the qwest he undertakes to get home. He must elude the cyclops, the lotus, Circe,and many more dangers to get home before a new king is chosen. Great for those who like mythology the book teaches that no mater how long it takes.I enjoyed it vary much.
November 16, 2017
I read this book in school, recently re-read it so I could see the mythological point of view in contrast to the modernized up versions and tales depicted in the Percy Jackson series which I am also re-reading very slowly because I love it so much.
I remember watching a cartoon program on Ulysses in school, mind you it was much tamer than the graphic depictions of death and violence that Ulysses comes to suffer from.
I remember watching a cartoon program on Ulysses in school, mind you it was much tamer than the graphic depictions of death and violence that Ulysses comes to suffer from.
May 1, 2011
This is the version of The Odyssey that James Joyce supposedly use to write Ulysses. A great short version of the epic tale.
January 6, 2015
I love it!
April 9, 2015
Chronicling elements of Homer's Odyssey, 'the Adventures of Ulysses' follows events during Ulysses's return to Ithaca...
August 13, 2016
Lihtsasti loetav lühikokkuvõte Odüsseuse piinarikastest seiklustest 20 aasta jooksul, üritades pöörduda tagasi koju pärast Trooja sõda...
September 25, 2021
Go along for the journey with Ulysses and his men through treacherous perils, exaggerated feats, mysticism, and more. An excellent read for all.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews