The Odyssey: Books 1-12 (The Loeb Classical Library, No 104)

The dual language format of all the Loeb publications make these books stand out from most other publications of the Greek and Latin classics. The compact size, hardcover binding and space for annotations in the margins and footnote areas lend themselves well as a resource for research. These little books afford an entertaining means to study Homeric Greek with the stories we know and enjoy. Rather than second guess a particular translation, here is a way to go directly to the original source and look up a word or questionable passage for yourself. I would welcome any of the Loeb books into my library.If you aren't looking for a dual language edition of Homer's Odyssey, try the Fitzgerald translation. Fitzgerald embraces the beauty of the verse, the poetry, the flow of this classical story and truly translates this richness into every line. I recommend his work to anyone who wants an enjoyable read. My second favorite translation, based on the similitude in word choices and notes, is the publication by Fagles The Iliad / The Odyssey . So, Fitzgerald leads the race for following the poetic format while Fagles comes in first for his literal efforts to preserve accurate content and text translations.  The Odyssey: The Fitzgerald TranslationThe Iliad / The Odyssey

In perfect condition. Definitely I’ll buy again.

This book deserves to be a CLASSIC!

This is an excellent Greek-English text. Loeb Classical Library is the only publisher that does it exactly right for all their books.

I am very satisfied with the book.

Talking to other students of Greek, I'm fascinated by the ambivalence they feel for the Loeb series. For some, to read a Greek text in a Loeb edition is an act of sacrilege for which burning at the stake is not sufficient punishment. According to these Greek students, one should have only the Greek text furnished with an appropriately massive critical apparatus. Amusingly, the one person I know who is most vociferously against the Loeb series was quite upset when, a few months ago, I ran into him at a university bookstore and found, horror of horrors, that he was purchasing a Loeb. Needless to say, I have no such prejudice against the Loeb series and find certain volumes to be quite helpful in learning Greek.Unfortunately, many of the translations that come alongside the Greek texts in the Loeb series are not particulalry faithful to the original text and are therefore useless if one is looking for a simple crib to help construe the meaning of this or that word or construction.Fortunately, the translation for the Loeb edition of the Odyssey is a great crib. It is, for the most part, painstakingly faithful to the Greek, although there are a few strange lapses here and there where the translator(s) have decided to add a few words that are not in the Greek.As for those who are Greekless and are simply looking for an accurate translation of the Odyssey, I'm not sure that I can recommend the translation. On the one hand, it is faithful to the sense of the text, but capture none of the sensuality of the text; that is to say, the rhythm and sound that make Homer so pleasurable are not reproduced in the translation. So, the translation is an excellent crib for construing the sense of Homer's text, but that's the extent of its merit.

First off, I'm a HUGE fan of the Loeb Classical Library series--it's the best thing since sliced bread (actually better). After a brief perusal I can say that the translation in this volume is generally helpful and accurate, BUT I just opened up to the start of book 9 (pp. 316-7) and found a glaring error: there is an entire line of Greek (ll. 8-9) that has been omitted from the English translation. On p. 317 after "as they sit side by side," it should say: "and alongside tables filled full of bread and meat." Then continue with the part about the cupbearer.EDIT: Just noticed that my version is the 1995 edition; perhaps this mistake has been corrected in the 1998 edition?

Dimock's revision of Murray's translation has updated the text so that it seems a little less archaic. However, as an aid for translation of the Greek, the line by line literal translations have no equals.Excellent for those learning, or relearning, reading Homeric Greek in the "original"

It was a late birthday present for an Open University friend. She says it's great. It was packaged well.

Beautiful little book ideal for travelling. The English translation is displayed opposite the ancient Greek text.

Clear Greek text at a reasonable price. English translation remarkably good for Loeb, although the Rieu translation is better. A useful book to slip into a pocket before a long flight or holiday.

The earlier version used very correct English which nows appears to be stilted. This new translation of Homer's epic will be favoured by contemporary students.