Homer: Odyssey Books 19 & 20 (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics)

Terrific explication of The Odyssey; linked to Richmond Lattimore's translation, but unless you're specifically trying to follow that version, this has abundant and useful information about the poem that will inform your reading of any other translation.

This is a lucid and well-written commentary to Lattimore's translation. The introductions to each book set out the themes and problems readers will encounter and offer thoughtful suggestions for understanding the plot. The notes on specific passages and verses explain important concepts including xenia and sacrifice and the proper procedure for such rituals, and in so doing enable readers to appreciate better Homer's skillful manipulation of Greek social situations for dramatic effect. Jones's commentary also helped elucidate some of Lattimore's more obscure renderings such as "underthegn" at 4.386.

Excellent commentary for those tackling the Odyssey.

This is a highly readable and informative book-by-book, line-by-line description of the Odyssey. Without doubt, it gives enormous depth and colour and of course background to the whole construction of this epic.It is tied in effect to Richmond Lattimore's magnificent translation and I personally found this the most rewarding of all the translations I have read.Each book of the Odyssey has it's own chapter in Prof. Jones' book and has an overview of what to expect and look out for. This is followed by a detailed explanation of lines that need clarification, expanding on the translation etc.It explains Greek rites and customs, so in reality this book can be used by non-specialists as there is little technical jargon. But the student of classics will find it indispensible.Well worth the expense - I now look at the Odyssey in a very much different light.

What can I say that hasn't been said already? It's a classic book, and if you are interested in this kind of book you will enjoy it. If not, then don't tackle it!

Brilliant resource to have for anyone studying classics. This was on suggested reading list at my daughters university and has been very useful to use alongside Homers "Odyssey" Quite difficult to find too as universities are quite picky with which edition they want the students to have.

Bought to complement the Odyssey translated by Lattimore , ideal combination

Bought for my University Course and is exactly what I wanted. Not read as yet as going through it in my seminars.