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Long before Christopher Nolan turned it into a blockbuster in the summer of 2026, The Odyssey was the original epic. After a massive opening weekend that blew past expectations, the film proved that humanity’s oldest war stories and sea voyages can still completely hook a modern audience.
People leaving the theaters are becoming instant history buffs. Online book groups and social feeds are filling up with moviegoers who want to compare Nolan’s take with the original ancient texts and the actual archaeology behind Troy.
If you walked out of the cinema looking for more, you are in good company. From classic translations of Virgil's The Aeneid to deep dives into the collapse of the Bronze Age, here are the best books to read while the movie is still making waves.
The Odyssey by Homer follows the epic journey of Odysseus as he struggles to return home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Facing numerous trials, mythical creatures, and divine interventions, Odysseus's voyage is one of endurance, cunning, and the unwavering drive to reunite with his family. This classic tale explores themes of heroism, loyalty, and the human spirit.
Mythos by Stephen Fry retells the gripping stories of Greek mythology with wit and charm. Fry brings the tales of gods, heroes, and monsters to life, making ancient myths accessible and entertaining for modern readers. It's a playful and engaging journey through the legends of Olympus and beyond.
When Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017—revealing the ancient poem in a contemporary idiom that was "fresh, unpretentious and lean" (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)—critics lauded it as "a revelation" (Susan Chira, New York Times) and "a cultural landmark" (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an equally revelatory translation of Homer's other great epic—the most revered war poem of all time. The Iliad roars with the clamour of arms, the bellowing boasts of victors, the fury and grief of loss, and the anguished cries of dying men. It sings, too, of the sublime magnitude of the world—the fierce beauty of nature and the gods' grand schemes beyond the ken of mortals. In Wilson's hands,...
Circe by Madeline Miller is a reimagining of the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer's Odyssey. The novel explores her transformation from a nymph to a powerful witch, delving into themes of identity, power, and self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of ancient Greek mythology, it portrays her encounters with gods, monsters, and mortals.
The Odyssey by Homer is an epic poem that follows the hero Odysseus on his adventurous journey home after the Trojan War. Along the way, he encounters mythical creatures and faces numerous challenges, all while longing to reunite with his family in Ithaca. It’s a timeless tale of perseverance, cleverness, and the enduring human spirit.
The Iliad by Homer is an epic poem that recounts a critical period during the Trojan War, focusing on the hero Achilles. The narrative explores themes of honour, wrath, and fate as it depicts the intense battles and personal conflicts among Greek and Trojan warriors.
Heroes by Stephen Fry is a captivating retelling of ancient Greek myths, focusing on the heroic tales of figures like Heracles, Jason, and Perseus. Fry combines humour and detailed storytelling to bring these legendary characters to life, providing an engaging and accessible journey through the adventures and trials of these mythic heroes.
Troy by Stephen Fry retells the epic story of the Trojan War with wit and clarity. It delves into the causes, major events, and key figures involved, bringing together mythology and history in a captivating narrative. Fry's engaging style makes this ancient tale accessible and entertaining.
Mythology by Edith Hamilton provides a comprehensive overview of classical mythology, exploring the myths and legends of ancient Greece and Rome. The book delves into the lives of gods, goddesses, heroes, and monsters, offering insight into their stories and the cultural significance they held. Hamilton's narrative is engaging and informative, making ancient myths accessible to the modern reader.
The Aeneid by Virgil follows the journey of Aeneas, a Trojan hero, as he escapes the fall of Troy and embarks on a mission to found a new city in Italy. Along the way, he faces divine interventions, battles, and personal trials, all while his destiny unfolds as the forefather of Rome.
The Iliad/The Odyssey Boxed Set by Gillian Cross is a retelling of two of the greatest ancient Greek epics, tailored for young readers. The set includes stories about the Trojan War, highlighting heroic figures like Achilles and the cunning adventures of Odysseus as he tries to return home after the war. These narratives are engagingly presented, blending thrilling action with themes of bravery, loyalty, and the complexities of human nature.
From actor and writer Felicia Day, a sapphic graphic novel about the forgotten sister of Helen of Troy, for fans of Lore Olympus and Girl Goddess Queen. Helen. Clytemnestra. Timandra. Three famous sisters and one shared curse – that each will betray their husband. As the youngest sister, Philonoe is desperate not to follow in their footsteps. After pleading with the gods, Philonoe is sent on a quest by Aphrodite, to retrieve three impossible objects. She's expecting battle, but instead encounters women who have already lost everything to the gods. Every step of the way she’s accompanied by Artemis, who doesn’t understand exactly why she’s so drawn to Philonoe’s quest. Will Philonoe become a victim of her own fate, or does she have the power to change it?...
A magnificent new translation of The Odyssey by best-selling author and classicist Daniel Mendelsohn. With his Odyssey, best-selling author and classicist Daniel Mendelsohn has created a momentous new work, hailed by classicists and poets alike—a translation to stand with those of E. V. Rieu and Robert Fagles. Setting aside the streamlining, modernizing approach of many recent translations, Mendelsohn artfully reproduces the epic's formal qualities—meter, enjambment, alliteration, assonance—and in so doing restores to Homer's masterwork its archaic grandeur. His expansive six-beat line, far closer to the original than that of other recent translations, allows him to capture each of Homer's verses line for line, without sacrificing the amplitude and shadings of the original. The result is the richest, most precise, and most musical Odyssey in English, one that fully...
The Odyssey by Gillian Cross is a retelling of the classic Greek epic where young readers follow the adventures of Odysseus on his journey home after the Trojan War. His journey is fraught with mythical creatures, divine interventions, and numerous challenges that test his wit and perseverance. The adaptation captures the essence of the original tale while making it accessible and engaging for a younger audience.
The Song of Troy by Colleen McCullough is a vivid retelling of the Trojan War, woven from multiple perspectives including leaders, heroes, and everyday citizens. The novel delves into the complex motivations and relationships of its characters, blending elements of myth and history. Through a rich tapestry of voices, the story explores themes of love, honour, and fate in the ancient world.
Greek Tragedy is a collection featuring plays by the iconic ancient playwrights Euripides, Sophocles, and Aeschylus. These masterpieces explore themes such as fate, revenge, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of Greek mythology and turbulent family dynamics. Through their compelling characters and dramatic plots, these tragedies capture the essence of human emotion and societal conflict in ancient Greece.
Homer's The Odyssey like you've never seen it or read it before! Classics in Graphics: The Odyssey has been adapted into a graphic novel by expert authors, Steve Skidmore and Steve Barlow, with illustrations by Martin Bustamante. Readers join our hero, Odysseus, as his epic journey swirls across the page, dodging sea monsters, one-eyed giants and greedy humans before it's too late... This series has inclusion at its heart, flinging wide the doors of literature for all to enter and understand. With dyslexia-friendly design for readers aged 10+; inclusive art so anyone can relate to iconic roles; snappy simplified text; introductory material to set the scene; heaps of material at the back, looking at the work's themes, language, publication, a timeline of relevant history, and more! Classics available:...
She's a queen, a witch, and a murderer. But she'll do anything to protect her children... From an award-winning author comes a story of feminist revenge, perfect for readers of Madeleine Miller and Natalie Haynes. All murders must be avenged. While the rest of Greece mourns for the war that has taken their husbands away, Clytemnestra fears the day it will bring Agamemnon back. When her husband willingly sacrifices their eldest daughter to appease the gods, Clytemnestra vows to do whatever it takes to protect her remaining children. But history turns strong women into monsters, and in saving her family, she risks losing them altogether and becoming the most hated woman in Greece...
The World of The Odyssey is an illustrated companion that brings the film’s story, characters, and world to life. Rather than focusing on technical production details, it acts as a visual guide to the film—featuring character profiles, key locations and items, and pivotal moments. Including exclusive quotes from the director, cast, and crew, and a final chapter explaining a little movie magic, this book is the perfect companion to what’s sure to be 2026’s summer blockbuster. Stunning Photography: Explore never-seen-before images from The Odyssey, emphasising unit photography and narrative context over concept art. Star-Studded Cast: The highly anticipated film features a stunning cast—and their quotes will be featured throughout. Accessible: Designed for casual fans and newcomers, this gorgeous book prioritises readability and exploration over comprehensive documentation.
Now a major movie. HarperCollins is proud to present our range of timeless literary classics. All my days are consumed in longing – to travel home and see the day of my arrival dawn. If a god must shatter me upon the wine-dark sea, so be it. One of the most enduring tales ever told, The Odyssey is the original homecoming story. After the fall of Troy, victorious war-hero Odysseus sets off on his long return to Ithaca – an adventure which takes him through strange and foreign lands and brings a challenge at every turn from six-headed sea monsters and man-eating giants, seductive sorceresses and vengeful gods. Passed down through the generations for three thousand years, Homer's The Odyssey has been celebrated as an undisputed great of...
Gillian Cross's brilliant retellings and Neil Packer's clever illustrations bring to life Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, two of the greatest stories ever told. Multi-award-winning author Gillian Cross makes two of the greatest stories in the world come alive for children in her strong, clear, deceptively simple retellings, which are faithful to the spirit and structure of Homer’s epic poems. This 320-page bind-up in a friendly format comes complete with an introduction and a generous selection of Neil Packer’s fabulous illustrations in black and white. Ideal for any fan of mythology and perfect for the KS2 classroom.
Discover Puffin Clothbound Classics - gorgeously giftable editions of the best-loved classics for young readers. Embark on an epic adventure in this stunning Puffin Clothbound Classic edition of The Odyssey, retold for children by Geraldine McCaughrean. 'I am Odysseus, hero of Troy.' The ancient Greek epic, retold for young readers. After ten years of war, Odysseus turns his back on Troy and sets sail for home, eager to be reunited with his wife and son. But the voyage is long and dangerous, plagued by strange magic, monstrous enemies—like Polyphemus the greedy one-eyed giant and Scylla the six-headed sea monster—and the wrath of the gods themselves. Can Odysseus rise to the challenge? Gift the best-loved classics to a new generation with Puffin's stunning Clothbound Classics. Bound in high-quality cloth...
Step into the timeless epic of Homer’s The Odyssey, where myth and destiny collide. Packaged in a stunning foiled cover. Follow legendary Odysseus, a king and hero forged in the fires of the Trojan War, as he embarks on a long and perilous journey that will push him to his limits. This is no ordinary voyage, though, as he and his crew find themselves on islands where mortals were never meant to tread. There are mythical creatures to battle at every turn – from the monstrous Cyclops Polyphemus to the spellbinding Sirens who wish to lure and deceive. And with each storm, sent by vengeful Poseidon, Odysseus must remember the real reason for this journey: home. His kingdom of Ithaca is under threat from those who are convinced...
Christopher Nolan's, The Odyssey, is a mythic action epic shot using brand new IMAX® film technology. The film stars Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Robert Pattinson, and Lupita Nyong'o, with Zendaya and Charlize Theron. The film opens in theatres everywhere on 17 July 2026.
Most people know Odysseus for his great intelligence and Trojan Horse trick. But once upon a time, Odysseus was just a little boy. Sure, he was the prince of Ithaca, and he grew up to go on the most epic ten-year journey in Greek mythology, but in lots of other ways he was just like you. This is his story. Packed with facts from the Greek mythology and graphic art panels, Little Myths: Odysseus is the perfect series for mythology-loving kids.
Ancient Greek classic about the amazing adventures of Odysseus, in graphic novel form. Greek warrior Odysseus is desperate to make his way home to the island of Ithaca. But giants, sirens and many-headed serpents are just some of the obstacles that stand in his way. Join him on his amazing adventures in this dynamic graphic novel.
UPLIFTING, PRACTICAL AND SURPRISING WISDOM FROM THE MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING CLASSICIST'Wonderful. Thoughtfully chosen, carefully explained and beautifully expressed' NATALIE HAYNES'A literary phenomenon' TLS'She leaves her readers inspired, invigorated and sincerely grateful' TELEGRAPHWhy do some loves endure while others fade? Is happiness something we can learn? Why do some things feel like work and others like leisure?Every new page of Consolations offers a thought-provoking idea about life - from friendship and family arguments to ageing and narcissism. Renowned classicist Irene Vallejo shows us how each of these ideas has its roots in ancient times, drawing on the wisdom of Aristotle and Seneca, as well as lesser known philosophy and history. Each entry brings a surprising insight, and helps us to think differently about our daily life. These are fascinating little...
The Odyssey is an epic poem attributed to Homer, focusing on the adventures of Odysseus as he attempts to return home after the Trojan War. The story explores his encounters with mythical creatures, divine interventions, and the challenges he faces in his quest to reunite with his family in Ithaca. It captures themes of perseverance, cunning, and the enduring human spirit.
This jigsaw brings together Odysseus' famed journey in one epic scene. Each reference from the tale is highlighted and explained in an accompanying fold-out poster with text by an expert author. 1000-PIECE PUZZLE that measures 48.5 x 68 cm (19 x 27 in.) when completed. INCLUDES A FOLD-OUT POSTER with an introduction to the Odyssey and descriptions of all the characters featured. STUNNING ILLUSTRATION by best-selling jigsaw illustrator Adam Simpson. LAURENCE KING has been capturing imaginations and inspiring creativity in new and unexpected ways for over 30 years, with playful and eye-catching games, gifts and books.