The Trojan War And Its Aftermath Four Epic Poems Retold

"The Trojan War and Its Aftermath: Four Epic Poems Retold" by David Bruce is a captivating retelling of the timeless tales surrounding the legendary conflict of the Trojan War and its far-reaching consequences. Drawing from ancient sources such as Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey," as well as other classical works, Bruce weaves together a rich tapestry of myths, heroes, and gods to create a compelling narrative that brings the ancient world to life. Through vivid prose and meticulous attention to detail, Bruce guides readers through the epic events of the Trojan War, from the famed duel between Achilles and Hector to the cunning stratagems of Odysseus and the tragic fall of Troy. Along the way, he introduces readers to a host of unforgettable characters, from the valorous warriors to the cunning goddesses, each with their own motivations and desires. But Bruce's narrative doesn't end with the fall of Troy; instead, he explores the aftermath of the war and its impact on the heroes and heroines who survived. From the trials of Odysseus as he struggles to find his way home to the tragic fate of the Trojan women, Bruce delves deep into the human drama and emotional resonance of these timeless stories, revealing the enduring power of myth to illuminate the human condition.

This book contains retellings in today's English of these ancient epic poems: Homer's Iliad Quintus of Smyrna's Posthomerica Homer's Odyssey Virgil's Aeneid In these retellings, as in all my retellings, I have tried to make the work of literature accessible to modern readers who may lack the knowledge about mythology, religion, and history that the literary work's contemporary audience had.

Presents a challenge to Homer's authority on the history and legends of the Trojan War, placing the Iliad and Odyssey in the larger context of the entire body of Greek epic poetry of the Archaic Age.

The Iliad dealing with the final stages of the Trojan War and The Odyssey with return and aftermath were central to the Classical Greeks' self identity and world view. Epic poems attributed to Homer, they underpinned ideas about heroism, masculinity and identity; about glory, sacrifice and the pity of war; about what makes life worth living. From Achilles, Patroclus and Agamemnon in the Greek camp, Hektor, Paris and Helen in Troy's citadel, the drama of the battlefield and the gods looking on, to Odysseus' adventures and vengeful return - Jan Parker here offers the ideal companion to exploring key events, characters and major themes. A book-by-book synopsis and commentary discuss the heroes' relationships, values and psychology and the narratives' shimmering presentation of war, its victims and the challenges of return and reintegration. Essays set the epics in their historical context and trace the key terms; the 'Journey Home from War' continues with 'Afterstories' of both heroes and their women. Whether you've always wanted to go deeper into these extraordinary works or are coming to them for the first time, The Iliad and the Odyssey: The Trojan War, Tragedy and Aftermath will help you understand and enjoy Homer's monumentally important work.

"Dante's Divine Comedy: A Retelling in Prose" by David Bruce offers a modern interpretation of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, presenting the timeless journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise in a clear and accessible prose format. Bruce's retelling preserves the essence and depth of Dante's original work while making it more approachable for contemporary readers. Through vivid descriptions and engaging narrative, readers are guided through Dante's intricate exploration of sin, redemption, and the human condition. As Dante navigates the depths of Hell, climbs the slopes of Purgatory, and ascends through the spheres of Paradise, Bruce skillfully captures the philosophical and theological themes of the Divine Comedy, inviting readers to contemplate their own spiritual journey and the nature of salvation.

This is an easy-to-read retelling of ""Tarlton's Jests, ""which tells anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth I's favorite jester. He is thought to have been the Yorick in Hamlet's famous soliloquy. This book contains the original ""Tarlton's Jests"" in addition to the retelling. 25. How Tarlton Deceived a Doctor of Physic [Medicine]. Tarlton, to satisfy the humors [moods] of certain gentlemen who were his familiar acquaintances, decided to test the skill of a simple Doctor of Physic, who dwelt not far from Islington, and this is what happened: Tarlton took a urinal, filled it half full of good wine, and carried it to this doctor, saying it was a sick man's urine. The doctor viewed it, and tossing it up and down, as though he had great knowledge, he said that the patient whose urine it is, is full of gross humors, and has need of purging, and needs to be bled some ten ounces of blood. "No, you dunce," Tarlton replied. "It is good p*ss," and he drank it all and then threw the urinal at the doctor's head.

This is an easy-to-read retelling of Ben Jonson's classic comedy play "Bartholomew Fair."

This is an easy-to-read retelling of "King Edward III," a history play that may have been written in part by William Shakespeare.

This book is a retelling in prose of Dante's "Purgatory," the second part of his "Divine Comedy."

This is a retelling in prose of Dante's "Paradise," the third part of his "Divine Comedy."