Homer’s The Odyssey comes with the weight of being one of the oldest works of literature, that we’re aware of, within human history. It’s a sprawling, ancient epic that somehow still sets the base for captivating a contemporary audience, due to its mythical adventures and hugely appealing human journey, as we follow Odysseus as he endeavours to travel home after 10 years fighting in the Trojan War, before then travelling for another 10 years, fighting mythical creatures whilst also trying to survive the Aegean and Ionian Sea.

With this release, from The Folio Society, they’ve created another exceptionally bound and slipcase blocked release that helps elevate the work to where it deserves to be. Featuring a new introduction by translator Emily Wilson, who’s 2018 and 2020 work has been technically remastered for this release, she truly celebrates the many levels of this tale and most importantly, it’s accessible to all levels of reader. The Odyssey isn’t just an epic poem because of its literal size and story, although these elements are clearly vital, it’s also the story of an ordinary man who overcomes undeniably difficult odds to try and survive. A human aspiration we strive towards during our time, as the everyman could be any of us, and that glory outweighs all the political or celebrity drama in the world, during that compelling and unpredictable journey.

Illustrated by Clive Hicks-Jenkins, the book contains eight coloured maps, as well as eight integrated double-page illustrations and his bold work seizes upon an original approach, one that doesn’t focus necessarily on specific historic accuracy but, instead, endeavours to remind you of the story you’re in, and of the wealth of strange happenings and breathtaking creatures. With Greek ships and textured drawings, Hicks-Jenkins used maquettes to setup his compositions and shape the ideas from the poem onto the page. They’re curious, unique imagery really works with this book, offering a layered addition to the text with drawings that are both perfectly situated, and unusually timeless and make it even more special.

As you’d expect with every Folio Society release, this hasn’t been rushed and you can tell from the moment you unwrap it from the exceptionally well-boxed delivery. Unpacking is an excitement in itself, sliding the 464-page book out of its solid slipcase, which features gunmetal foil designs by Hicks-Jenkins, it then reveals exquisite gilded gunmetal foil edges of the book, to eventually show off the fully bound printed and blocked cloth covers. Opening the book, you’ll reveal the typeset that’s in Bembo Book with Bembo Titling as display, with an always required silver ribbon. All of this leads us to an important part, the ease of the font alongside the welcoming translation by Wilson, which means this could be either a great gift for someone, or just for yourself.

If you’re a newcomer to the classic Greek tale, it dates back roughly to 650 to 750 BCE, meaning it’s nearly 3,000 years old – a number which, in time, we can barely comprehend, it goes to show the compelling nature and undying esteem of the stories through the ages. And that’s quite incredible really. The stories have weaved their way into myth and legend (and even fact for some) across the Globe, as Homer’s larger-than-life creation has been translated into English with more than 60 different versions. And, because there’s such a wealth of exploration to excavate, it’s also been adapted for the screen.

Over the years, there’s been 1954’s Ulysses, 1989’s Nostos: The Return, 1997’s The Odyssey, 2012’s The Return, 2024’s The Telemachy, not forgetting version for the stage which include Derek Walcott’s 1992 The Odyssey, and the National Theatre’s 2023 five-show adaptation The Odyssey: The Underworld. And now, in 2026, it’s time for Christopher Nolan’s upcoming The Odyssey, that was reportedly directly inspired by this translation by Emily Wilson, which means if you’re a film-follower like me, then this particular version is certainly a must-read, as it’ll surely inspire a whole new generation of film and literature lovers.

The Folio Society have once again created a wonderful special release with Homer’s The Odyssey. The written form is vital, words can remain and while editorial through time will certainly shift some things, it feels stronger than the digital world which can be distrustful. Even if your book is a work of fiction, this is a world you can revisit and leave whenever you desire, and these releases are a true reminder of encapsulating that creative beauty.

So now take it: it is yours. Dive in to start right in the middle like all great epics, and as The Odyssey does, to immerse into the peril and poetry of this historic chronicle forever more.

Homer’s The Odyssey from The Folio Society is out now: https://www.foliosociety.com/uk/odys-the-odyssey

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