THE VOYAGE OF ODYSSEUS

This first American edition of Reeves' 1973 version of Homer's famous epic is aimed at the general young adult reader rather than at the classics student. It is quite readable, using a fall vocabulary and touches of the original language, such as ""the wine-dark sea,"" but without the stilted feel of most direct translations. A brief prologue tells the story of the Trojan War; then the book goes right into the voyage and the episodes of the lotus-eaters and the cyclops. The book is divided into two parts, the first covering the voyage and the second recounting Odysseus's homecoming and the dismissal of Penelope's suitors. His son Telemachus is given much attention, but his wife's loyalty and her plot with the weaving are downplayed. The role of the gods is integrated into the story so, that their interference in the lives of men seem quite natural. Strong, heavily shaded engravings add a nice touch of drama. This version of the Greek classic maintains its fascination, it's longer and more sophisticated than Provenson's and less rearranged than Colum's. It is recommended for any collection with 6th grade or higher.