Charles Segal (1936–2002) taught classics at the University of Pennsylvania, Brown University, Princeton University, and Harvard University, where he was Walter C. Klein Professor of the Classics. Among his many books are, as author, Interpreting Greek Tragedy: Myth, Poetry, Text and Singers, Heroes, and Gods in the "Odyssey", both published by Cornell University Press.

Charles Segal offers an insightful and literate commentary that will enable readers to enjoy a fresh and informed appreciation for this classic Hellenic adventure tale.... A welcome addition to the growing body of erudite commentary on the enduringly popular epic poetry of Homer.(The Bookwatch) The essays in this book furnish very astute, unswervingly literary interpretations of key themes in the Odyssey.... Refreshingly straightforward criticism of a consistently high order.(Bryn Mawr Classical Review)