The Odyssey

The Fitzgerald Translation

By: Homer, D. S. Carne-Ross - introduction, Robert Fitzgerald - translator

Narrated by: Dan Stevens

"In classical Greece men called rhapsodes memorized and recited “The Iliad” and “The Odyssey.” My own rhapsode is the English actor Dan Stevens, whom fans of “Downton Abbey” will know as Matthew Crawley. He’s been performing the Robert Fitzgerald translation, and no Hellene could do it better." — Wall Street Journal

Robert Fitzgerald's translation of The Odyssey has been the standard translation for more than three generations of students and poets. Macmillan Audio is delighted to publish the first ever audio edition of this classic work, the greatest of all epic poems. Fitzgerald's supple verse is ideally suited for audio, recounting the story of Odysseus' long journey back to his wife and home after the Trojan War. Homer's tale of love, adventure, food and drink, sensual pleasure, and mortal danger reaches the English-language listener in all its glory.

In keeping with the oral tradition of the time, Dan Stevens, whose many celebrated performances include Downton Abbey's Matthew Crawley, makes this epic tale come alive. The listener becomes totally immersed in the adventure and drama of the story – this is the way The Odyssey was meant to be experienced.

Also included on the program is a portion of the poem read in ancient Greek so that listeners may experience the lyricism and music of the original language.

Critic reviews

“Fitzgerald's smooth, musical verse is perfectly matched in this performance by the light, honeyed tones of Dan Stevens, the British actor who played Matthew Crawley in the first three seasons of "Downton Abbey." Stevens has beautiful, clear articulation, and wonderful pacing, and he really seems to enjoy the poetry of the words. I confess that I could listen to him all day.” —The Boston Globe

“The lightness of Fitzgerald's touch, his almost conversational poetry, is well suited to the spoken word and to an audio version. His translation is in turn well served by the audio production... The reader is the talented actor Dan Stevens… his tone is not conventionally ‘bardic,' which is to say not dark, ponderous or declamatory, but rather young, bright and noble – as if King Harry had decided to deliver Homer instead of his St. Crispin's Day speech.” —The New York Times

All around loved it

The story itself is great. The narration was great and appreciate how it maintains the dactylic hexameter that the poem is supposed to be read. Will probably listen to it again in the future, maybe a few times.

great narration, classic story

Thanks to the astonishingly captivating voice of the reader, Fitzgerald's translation of this poetic classic simply pops, leaping to life in ways it never does on the page. Homer, even in translation, is simply meant to be read aloud, and this audiobook is one of the best ways to hear it.

Epic poem by an epic narrator

More greatness can not be bestowed to the Odyssey already than it has been bestowed to the grand legacy and enduring power it carries. It is a transcendental masterpiece that will never come to be equalled or rivaled in any way, for writings like these ought not to be produced by the lower minds of today and of the even more degenerating future ahead.
To this epic poem add such an epic and captivating narrator like Dan Stevens, so immersed into the essence of the lore and so uniquely professional in his work, and you have a treasure of mythological proportions.

BEST TRANSLATION • BEST READING‼️♾

This is indeed, by far, the very best version and TRANSLATION of The Odyssey.Fitzgerald, now long gone to faire Elysium (not down to grey Hades)‼️ Also, because this translation was read so extremely well and even outshined the reading by Sir Derek Jacobi, yet I dare say Sir Derek Jacobi’s reading of The Illiad was to me, the clear winner. However I do think the Fitzgerald Translation of the Illiad was superior. Pllease keep this in mind, when reading my comments on the other translation of the Illiad!!!

It is well worth saying as a St. John’s College alumni that I sorely wish I had heard both of Fitzgerald’s translations in these brilliantly read forms; these Great Books were absolutely meant to be listened to, as they have been for well nigh 3,000 years; this is the superior format to explore Homer FIRST, yet in print (and sections in Greek) for optimum study of a serious undergraduate or anyone whom desires a keen Classics education; all roads of Classical Study, lead back to Homer.

M. Hart
Volant, Pennsylvania USA

a well-made story

I've always been fascinated with Greek mythology since I was a young boy. This is a lovely translation of this ancient story. I loved this particular reader, I feel he added an amazing layer to this program.