Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 11 votes)
5 stars
6(55%)
4 stars
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3 stars
5(45%)
2 stars
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11 reviews
July 15,2025
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If only I could sing the praises of Jones’ book as the archaic bard might sing of the strong-greaved heroes who died in sacred Ilion.

This is an indispensable companion to Lattimore's Odyssey, and I mean that in the most emphatic way possible. Do not even THINK of reading Lattimore's Odyssey without having this book handy.

There are many reasons for this. Lattimore's text contains no footnotes or endnotes. Without a good guide, you will be totally lost.

Jones' notes constantly keep you focused on the major themes of the Odyssey. For example, xenia, kleos, and humans bringing destruction upon themselves. He also makes comparisons to the Iliad and other authors.

In addition, Jones points out textual issues. He discusses the “Homeric Question” and summarizes the opinions of Homeric scholars.

The thoroughness of Jones’ notes forced me to do a close reading of the Odyssey. I cultivated great confidence in reading Homer as I moved through the poem.

By the second half of the poem, I could anticipate some of the issues that Jones would raise. Jones clearly knows his Homer inside and out, and with this book, some of his expertise will rub off on you.
July 15,2025
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Probably more like 4.5 - 5 stars.

However, the format wasn't too user friendly for me. The line numbers in my Lattimore edition didn't match up too well, so I didn't bother with that.

Nevertheless, Peter Jones' commentary was truly indispensable. It really illuminated what I was reading. In Greek culture, the primary importance of how to treat guests and strangers and the protocol for doing so became clear. Also, the significance of one's public reputation and public speaking ability was emphasized.

Understanding these aspects then clarified the role of the suitors' behavior. They were the ultimate bad guys. And it became evident why Odysseus would have to kill them.

One senses that the whole story is, on a certain level, all about this. The "meet and greet" and the outcome from it is central to each of Odysseus' adventures, from the Cyclopes to the Sirens. It all climaxes in the final encounter with the suitors.

This commentary added a deeper layer of understanding to the text and enhanced my overall reading experience.
July 15,2025
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FIC
JON

FIC is an abbreviation that might stand for various things, depending on the context. It could refer to a fictional work, a specific field of study, or an organization.

JON, on the other hand, is a common name. It could be the name of a person, perhaps someone who is associated with FIC in some way.

Maybe JON is an author who writes fictional stories under the FIC label. Or perhaps he is a researcher in a particular field that is related to FIC.

It's also possible that JON is a member of an organization called FIC, and his name is used to identify him within that group.

Without more context, it's difficult to say exactly what FIC and JON mean. But together, they form an interesting combination that could spark the imagination and lead to further exploration.

Whether it's in the world of literature, science, or something else entirely, the relationship between FIC and JON is sure to be an engaging one.
July 15,2025
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I truly hated Ulysses. However, I cannot deny that there is a valid reason why this work is considered a REAL classic.

Thankfully, I have managed to get through it. But now I am left wondering, should I read the Iliad?

Well, if you're interested in learning more about the Odyssey, you might want to have a listen to our podcast episode on it.

You can find it at https://soundcloud.com/mostlylitpod/t....

Our podcast offers in-depth discussions and analysis of the Odyssey, providing you with a fresh perspective on this ancient epic.

So, whether you're a die-hard fan of Greek mythology or just curious about this classic work, give our podcast a try and see if it helps you decide whether to take on the Iliad or not.

July 15,2025
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I truly wish that there would have been a woman of Odysseus' equal. Odysseus, with his remarkable intelligence, courage, and resourcefulness, was a heroic figure in Greek mythology. However, in the tales and stories that have been passed down through the ages, it seems that there was no female counterpart who could match his qualities.

There were strong and capable women in Greek mythology, such as Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare. But even she, in her divine form, was not exactly on the same level as Odysseus in terms of the human experience.

It would have been interesting to see a woman who could have embarked on her own epic journey, facing challenges and obstacles with the same determination and skill as Odysseus. A woman who could have outwitted her enemies, overcome great odds, and returned home victorious.

Such a woman would have added a new dimension to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology and would have served as an inspiration for generations to come. She would have shown that women, too, are capable of great things and that they should not be underestimated or overlooked.

Alas, it seems that such a woman did not exist in the world of Odysseus. But perhaps in our own modern world, we can look for and celebrate the women who are equal to any man in their abilities and achievements.
July 15,2025
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This is an outstanding companion to Lattimore's translation of the Odyssey. It is the second time that I have made use of it.

Besides an overall introduction, Jones provides shorter introductions, with a sharp analytical edge, for each of the 24 chapters, along with clarifying footnotes. This book was extremely welcome to me because, at least in my edition of Lattimore, there were no footnotes.

This is also a defense of Lattimore as the finest translation into English. Although Jones does point out, in a few instances, some errors in the translation and offers his own alternatives.

It is truly a valuable resource for those who are studying or interested in the Odyssey. It helps to enhance the understanding and appreciation of Lattimore's translation by providing additional context and analysis.

The combination of Jones' introductions and footnotes makes this companion a must-have for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the world of the Odyssey.
July 15,2025
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Interpreting the Lattimore text can be a complex task. However, having a good understanding of the relevant context and background information is very helpful. By carefully analyzing the text, we can gain valuable insights into Lattimore's ideas and arguments. This process requires patience and attention to detail. We need to consider not only the words themselves but also the tone, style, and intended audience of the text. Additionally, it can be beneficial to compare the Lattimore text with other related works or historical events. This can help us to better understand the significance and implications of Lattimore's ideas. Overall, a thorough and thoughtful interpretation of the Lattimore text can provide us with a deeper understanding of the subject matter and contribute to our broader knowledge and understanding of history and culture.

July 15,2025
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One needs a guidebook for these works. This one was excellent. It provided detailed and comprehensive information about each work, including its background, significance, and key features. The author's writing style was engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to both beginners and experts in the field. The guidebook also included beautiful illustrations and photographs that enhanced the reader's understanding and appreciation of the works. In addition, it offered useful tips and suggestions for further study and exploration. Overall, this guidebook was an invaluable resource for anyone interested in these works, and I would highly recommend it to others.

July 15,2025
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The last book of 2022! It is truly useful for my coursework, innit.

This book has become an essential resource for me as I work on my coursework. It contains a wealth of information and insights that have helped me to better understand the subject matter.

The author's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making it accessible even to those who may not be familiar with the topic.

I have found myself referring back to this book again and again as I write my papers and prepare for exams.

Overall, I am extremely grateful to have discovered this book and would highly recommend it to anyone else who is working on similar coursework or has an interest in the subject.

It has truly been a valuable addition to my academic library and I look forward to continuing to use it in the future.
July 15,2025
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Helpful resource.


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July 15,2025
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