As a summary of Homer's great epic, this Cliffs Notes volume is adequate. In fact, when I teach The Odyssey to my ninth graders this year, I will probably share with them the family tree diagram and a few summaries for the chapter we won't be covering in class. But as a "critical analysis" -- which is what the second half of this book calls itself -- it is quite weak. Most versions of the poem come with introductory material (Who wouldn't want to be called upon to introduce The Odyssey?); and those notes are bound to be more thorough and helpful than these are.

Very helpful.

I did actually read this book. I read it alongside The Odyssey because I got lost a few times. It's a good summary of the book.

A good recap of the characters, plot and themes of The Odyssey before reading the actual translation.

Cliffs Notes present a clear discussion of the action and thought of The Odyssey so that the student does not have to take notes during class

This was my bible 4 the English essay thx cliffsnotes