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The Odyssey of Homer

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The Odyssey of Homer

By: Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver
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About this listen

What is it in Homer's Odyssey that has so enthralled readers from around the world for thousands of years? By joining Professor Vandiver for these 12 lectures on the Odyssey, you'll find out why.

This literary exploration centers on a single provocative question about the epic poem's protagonist, Odysseus: Why does he long so powerfully to go home? To probe the depths of this question, you'll embark on meticulous, insightful examinations of the most important episodes in the Odyssey. In doing so, you'll understand the cultural assumptions that lie behind Homer's lines and the critical and interpretive issues involved in truly unpacking this ancient masterpiece.

Among the range of episodes, themes, and topics you'll explore are: Odysseus's superb skills as a rhetorician; the abrupt break in the text at the end of the "Great Wanderings" episode, when the poem briefly returns to the third-person narrative; Penelope's knowledge and motives as they relate to the inevitability of her suitors' doom; the effectiveness (or possible lack thereof) in the poem's ending; the historical basis for the Trojan War from which Odysseus returns; and more.

For anyone who's loved the stories of Odysseus's encounters with witches, monsters, and vengeful gods; for anyone who's longed to truly grasp the intricate nature of Homer's epic; or for anyone who has been looking for ways to approach a work that can often be intimidating to first-time readers, these lectures are an invaluable resource and a helpful introduction to the grandest adventure story in Western literature.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1999 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)1999 The Great Courses Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Collections Mythology Ancient History Greece Classics

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As usual the Great Courses provides a wonderful overview into a deeply complex topic and comes out the other side better than ever. A big fan of the series.

The Great Courses strikes again

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It is worth listening to her deconstruction of The Illiad first, but works as stand alone too.
I'm using this alongside Open University course and it is turning out to be the best outside source I have found.
Varied and thought-provoking lectures with included pdf.
Worth every penny and more!

Very informative

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Another great series of lectures from Prof Vandiver who gives an excellent, intelligent and entertaining overview of the narrative and themes in this wonderful epic.

excellent overview

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Elizabeth Vandiver has an approachable yet thorough approach to her subject matter. Pulls out some of the key themes and moments over the course of 11 hours of lectures.

Highly recommended

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I highly recommend this to people who want to understand Homer (and the other Great Courses audio guide to the Iliad is excellent too)

it goes through the book, from start to finish explaining nuances and technical things that you might not notice on a first reading.

Elizabeth Vandiver is an excellent lecturer. she knows her stuff and conveys an obvious love of the text.

if you want to improve yourself, or understand the Odyssey better, listen to this.

eye opening and entertaining

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Places The Odyssey in context. Summarises the plot and explains historic importance of this work. Knowledgable lecturer.

Excellent Synopsis and Background

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This is an absolutely fantastic analysis of the Odyssey. Professor Vandiver’s knowledge and acute observation leaves me full of admiration. In addition, her eloquence enabling a seamless narration keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
I was riveted from beginning to end. Well done Elizabeth - if I may be so informal.

Enthralling.

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Oh my word! EV does it again. This is the fourth of her courses I have listened to. I have two more to go! She has a rare ability to convey for non specialists the complexities and ambiguities of scholarship in her field alongside its fascination and excitement. I am so grateful for these courses. It has been money very well spent.

Get it!

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This is just a fabulous deep dive into the iconography of the Odyssey. I learned a lot of new things about my favorite story from Antiquity. Thank you for putting this on Audible! I wasn't even aware of it's existence

For the real fans

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I also listened to the 12-lecture series on the Iliad, which was equally interesting. Highly recommended.

excellent narration, accessible and informative

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