"Interesting, thoughtful, and well written. The book covers an admirably wide range of issues with clarity and assurance." Barbara Graziosi - Professor of Classics, Durham University Provides readers with exactly what they need to know in order to read the epics with the greatest comprehension and enjoyment. Erwin Cook - T. F. Murchison Distinguished Professor of the Humanities, Trinity University, USA A really good introduction to the Iliad and Odyssey, wearing its learning lightly and conveying a sense of both the delights and the profundity of the Homeric poems. Christopher Pelling - Regius Professor of Greek, University of Oxford A smart book and a stylish piece of writing. Bruce Heiden - Professor of Classics, The Ohio State University Barker and Christensen have written the best introduction I know to the Homeric poems. They explain the main themes, scenes, and characters in clear, jargon-free language that is a pleasure to read, whether for those new to Homer or advanced students. Pura Nieto - Senior Lecturer in Classics, Brown University