Promotional Information

Insightful essays and primary documents situate The Odyssey within historical, cultural, and mythological contexts, and examine contemporary applications.

Table of Contents

Introduction A Literary Analysis of Homer's The Odyssey: Transformation and Return Greek Mythology and Homer The Geography of The Odyssey Summary of Archeological Excavations The Historical Context of The Odyssey The Trojan War Myth and Legend Supporting Players in The Odyssey: The Underclasses Contemporary Applications: The Problem of Revenge Contemporary Applications: The Athlete and Athletics Contemporary Applications: The Evolution of the Heroic Ideal Index

About the Author

CLAUDIA DURST JOHNSON, former chairperson of English at the University of Alabama, is currently a freelance scholar and writer in Berkeley, California. She is the author of books on American history and literature, as well as theater history. She is also series editor for Greenwood Press's Exploring Social Issues through Literature Series and the Literature in Context Series, for which she has authored several volumes including Understanding To Kill a Mockingbird and Understanding The Grapes of Wrath. VERNON JOHNSON has wide experience as an author, theater director, and professor of world literature. He is co-author of Understanding The Crucible. He now resides in Berkeley, California, where he continues to write and teach.

Reviews

?[t]his is an intelligent and well conceived book....It will save students and teachers many hours because it gathers together excerpts from ancient and modern writers to expand the points at which readers might connect to this immortal epic.?-School Library Journal

"Ýt¨his is an intelligent and well conceived book....It will save students and teachers many hours because it gathers together excerpts from ancient and modern writers to expand the points at which readers might connect to this immortal epic."-School Library Journal

"[t]his is an intelligent and well conceived book....It will save students and teachers many hours because it gathers together excerpts from ancient and modern writers to expand the points at which readers might connect to this immortal epic."-School Library Journal