Iliad and the Odyssey

Dr Jan Parker teaches and researches Classical and Comparative Literature in the Faculty of English, University of Cambridge. She is Founder Editor of Arts and Humanities in Higher Education: an international journal of theory, research and practice.She has been teaching Homer, both in Greek and in translation, for over 15 years, including 'Opening the Text: Homer' courses for the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education and an annual course for the University of Cambridge International Summer School, which she directs. Among her books is Tradition, Translation, Trauma: the Classic and the Modern; she has edited and written an introduction to George Chapman's translation of the Iliad and Odyssey.

'Jan Parker offers an engaging narrative and insightful exploration of the world of the Trojan War. She explores the many layers of Homer’s accounts of heroic fighting, values, and psychology. Parker has written the ideal companion to Homer and his heroes'.- Prof. Barry Strauss, Cornell University, author of The Trojan War: A New History; 'Tremendous – Jan’s book extends a warm and wonderful invitation to share an experience of Homer that is at once scholarly and personal. It is a phenomenal resource for any student or teacher.' - Elizabeth Rawlinson-Mills, Cambridge University Assistant Professor; ‘full of fascinating discussions’ - Professor emerita Pat Easterling, University of Cambridge; ‘A triumph! This is the book Jan Parker was born to write’. - Professor emerita Sue Clegg, The University of Newcastle, Australia and Leeds Beckett University; 'One of the many great features of this book is the glossing of key words, constantly allowing the reader an insight into the original Greek terms used to describe concepts such as honour and glory that are so important to Homer's heroes.’ - Prof James Robson, Professor of Classical Studies, Open University; 'Jan Parker’s accompaniment to Homer’s great tales is lively, illuminating and authoritative. A thoroughly enjoyable read.' - David Rintoul. Royal Shakespeare Company Actor and audiobook reader; 'The book will be extremely useful for students and readers at all levels and of all ages coming to Homer. It's very attractively and accessibly written, and manifests on every page the excitement and commitment as a teacher of these texts over many years, and to a variety of students.' - Emeritus Professor of English Literature David Hopkins, University of Bristol