Odysseus Unbound: The Search for Homer's Ithaca - Hardcover

Bittlestone, Robert

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521853575 ISBN 13: 9780521853576

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2005

Synopsis

Where is the Ithaca described in such detail in Homer's Odyssey? The mystery has baffled scholars for over two millennia, particularly because Homer's descriptions bear little resemblance to the modern island called Ithaki. This highly illustrated book tells the extraordinary story of the exciting recent discovery of the true location of Homer's Ithaca by following a detective trail of literary, geological and archaeological clues. We can now identify all the places on the island that are mentioned in the epic - even the site of Odysseus' Palace itself. The pages of the Odyssey come alive as we follow its events through a landscape that opens up before our eyes via glorious colour photographs and 3D satellite images. Over a century after Schliemann's discovery of Troy, this breakthrough will revolutionise our understanding of Homer's texts and of our cultural ancestors in Bronze Age Greece.

About this title

Review:

'This curious, spellbinding book is a masterpiece of writing for the general public. The geological argument in particular is first-class and leaves me in no doubt about the possibility of the theory being proposed.' Tjeerd van Andel, University of Cambridge

'Bittlestone's argument romps home ... triumphant, though many will take issue with his conclusions, which is as it should be.' Daily Telegraph

'Though neither a classicist nor a geologist by training, [Bittlestone] makes an impressive and enthralling case ... the account of how he reached his conclusions is clear, engaging, funny, wonderfully illustrated - and informed by the work of leading specialists whose contributions are generously acknowledged.' The Times Literary Supplement

'This book is a gem. Its reconstruction of prehistoric Ithaca has a convincingly Homeric 'look and feel' to it. Reading the Odyssey is unlikely ever to be the same again.' Gregory Nagy, Harvard University and Center for Hellenic Studies, Washington DC

'A fascinating and compelling book; recommended for both public and academic libraries' Library Journal

'The reader's reward is truly thrilling detection supported by breathtaking illustration, yielding a revitalized epic whose prime location of Ithaca is made newly recognizable and powerfully evocative.' Foreword

'... magnificently illustrated ...' Sunday Telegraph

'... the intellectual and investigative process by which Bittlestone undertook this endeavour offers unique insights into board level issues such as risk assessment, leadership and even performance management. This makes Bittlestone's journey into the past ... a truly fantastic voyage of discovery.' Financial Director

'... extraordinary book ... our continued engagement with this most venerable of texts provides us with an enduring mystery in itself, and one that is perhaps unlikely ever to be solved.' arts.telegraph.co.uk

'A sumptuous production, this, with thousands of illuminating illustrations, likewise opulent in valuably synthesising charts of historical and scientific data ... [Bittlestone] is outstandingly fair-minded towards rival theorists. Eschewing academic Newspeak, he writes with clarity, verve and humour ... stupendous work. A non-scientific neutral, I find the geological arguments impressive to overwhelming.' Fortean Times

Book Description:

Where is the Ithaca described in such detail in Homer's Odyssey? This sumptuous book tells the extraordinary story of the exciting recent discovery of its true location. Over a century after Schliemann's discovery of Troy, this breakthrough will revolutionise our understanding of Homer's texts and of Bronze Age Greece.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0521853575
• ISBN 13: 9780521853576
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 618