Readings on Homer (The Greenhaven Press Literary Companion to World Authors)

Rating:
Summary: An Impressive Volume
Review: Every few years one or two new books come out discussing Homer or one or both of his great epic poems; but there can never be enough written about "the Poet," as he was known to the ancients. Unfortunately, most of the really informative books available on Homer are scholarly. And while some of these-C.M. Bowra's 1972 book and those by Jasper Griffin, among others, readily come to mind- are wonderful, they are beyond the reach of average readers with little or no background in Greek literature and culture. Nardo's literary companion successfully aims at a wider audience, explaining in clear, methodical terms the basics the layman needs to know to appreciate the subject. He then presents a wide range of short, but pointed discussions of various aspects of Homer and his works by noted scholars. This is a thoughtful, informative, balanced presentation by an expert who is not afraid to reach out to the uninitiated and attempt to instill in them an appreciation for a subject often sadly neglected in today's educational and social settings.