Selections from both Iliad and Odyssey , made with an eye for those episodes that figure most prominently in the study of mythology.

A good idea--its utility far outweighs qualms purists have about students not reading every last item in the catalogue of ships. The translation is vigorous and readable. --Andrew Ford, Princeton University
Not only does one get an excellent translation of both Homer's Iliad and Odyssey under one cover, but the selections included are infinitely better and longer than what one normally gets in anthologies of Greek literature. For courses in which entire texts cannot be used, this is by far the best choice available today. --Kostas Myrsiades, Westchester University
The Essential Homer fills a long-felt need for an edition that offers a sizable selection of the books and passages most likely to be used in undergraduate courses. It's a wonderful help. --Richard P. Martin, Stanford University
This is a wonderful translationreadable, lively, preserves the essential spirit. Students get caught up in it. The abridgment is a good text for general classes. Nicolle Hirschfeld, California State University, Long Beach
A fine poetic translation that today's students can understand. The selections are very well chosen for a course in which time limitations prevent reading the whole of either epic. Lillian Doherty, University of Maryland

Stanley Lombardo is Professor of Classics, University of Kansas. Sheila Murnaghan is Professor of Classical Studies, University of Pennsylvania.