Showing titles in Poetry

Acclaimed actress Claire Danes burnishes an epic story of heroes, gods, and monsters in a groundbreaking translation of The Odyssey, the first great adventure story in the Western literary tradition. When the wily warrior-king Odysseus sets off for home after the Trojan War, he doesn’t realize this simple undertaking will become a perilous journey of 10 years. Beset at every turn, he encounters obstacles, detours, and temptations—both supernatural and human—while his wife Penelope fends off would-be suitors desperate to take the throne.

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey are unquestionably two of the greatest epic masterpieces in Western literature. Though more than 2,700 years old, their stories of brave heroics, capricious gods, and towering human emotions are vividly timeless. The Iliad can justly be called the world’s greatest war epic. The terrible and long-drawn-out siege of Troy remains one of the classic campaigns. The Odyssey chronicles the many trials and adventures Odysseus must pass through on his long journey home from the Trojan wars to his beloved wife.

One of the most significant books ever written by a head of state, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions—a cornerstone of Western thought.

In this second book of Malcolm Guite's acclaimed Merlin's Isle: An Arthuriad, travel back to craggy Tintagel to discover how it all began. Raised by Sir Ector and tutored by the wizard Merlin, young Arthur must grow into his destiny as the foretold king. He will need the aid of the perilous...

When Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey appeared in 2017―rendering the ancient poem in contemporary language that was “fresh, unpretentious and lean” (Madeline Miller, Washington Post)―critics lauded it as “a revelation” (Susan Chira, New York Times) and “a cultural landmark” (Charlotte Higgins, Guardian) that would forever change how Homer is read in English. Now Wilson has returned with an equally revelatory translation of Homer’s other great epic―the most revered war poem of all time.

Ever wondered just how much of life you can understand through poetry? Tim Key is never far from stage and screen - from Peep Show to Alpha Papa to Taskmaster. But now he's back doing what he does best - attempting to recite poetry whilst tormenting his friend and musician, the equally brilliant...

Have you ever wondered why the themes of war, rage, and the long journey home still resonate so deeply today? The stories of the Trojan War and the voyage of Odysseus are the blueprints for every epic adventure. Homer's masterpieces explore the deepest corners of human emotion, from the thirst for glory to the ache of nostalgia. This complete collection brings together The Iliad and The Odyssey, transporting you to the dusty plains of Troy and the supernatural perils of the wine-dark sea.

Lost love and a midnight visit from a raven bring one man to the brink of insanity. A classic poem by a master wordsmith. Narrated by Glenn Hascall.

‘Atmospheric, engrossing, beautiful and sad, one of those books you find yourself wanting to be back inside when you’ve had to put it down' NATALIE HAYNES, author of A Thousand Ships and Stone Blind ‘A vivid and imaginatively wrought divine world that is monstrous, magical and beautiful’...

Brought to you by Penguin. This Penguin Classic is performed by award-winning voice actor Martin Jarvis OBE, as well as John Sackville, Maya Saroya and the translator of this edition, David Raeburn. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Denis Feeney. Ovid's sensuous and witty...

The great epic of Western literature, translated by the acclaimed classicist Robert Fagles Soon to be a major motion picture directed by Christopher Nolan Robert Fagles, winner of the PEN/Ralph Manheim Medal for Translation and a 1996 Academy Award in Literature from the American Academy of Arts...

Find the wonder in the life you're living. ‘What I didn’t know at first, when I was in the deepest darkness, was how many pinholes of light would come.’ The world is imperfect. Loneliness, grief, pain, heartbreak: our troubles can threaten to overwhelm us in a world that seems more...

Brought to you by Penguin. A collection of powerful contemporary poetry exploring themes of masculinity, love, grief and connection, from British poet and viral phenomenon Lucas Jones. 'You're here to make All the wonder make sense You're not the life - You're the living itself' How do you...

Writers like to elude their public, lead them a bit of a dance. They take them down untrodden paths, land them in unknown country where they have to ask for directions. In this personal anthology, Alan Bennett has chosen over seventy poems by six well-loved poets, discussing the writers and...

You know him from his voyages on the Starship Enterprise, as veteran cop T. J. Hooker, and Boston Legal lawyer Denny Crane. He's starred in his own one-man show on Broadway and has collaborated with Ben Folds, Brad Paisley, and others on his records. His spoken-word albums have been critically acclaimed, portions of which complement his latest reflections in Wisdom & Worries. As he nears the century mark, William Shatner is still boldly exploring new frontiers, including his own inner universe.

Brought to you by Penguin The Divine Comedy describes Dante's descent into Hell with Virgil as a guide; his ascent of Mount Purgatory and encounter with his dead love, Beatrice; and finally, his arrival in Heaven. Examining questions of faith, desire and enlightenment, the poem is a brilliantly...

Random House presents the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Ode Less Travelled, written and read by Stephen Fry. Stephen Fry believes that if you can speak and read English you can write poetry. But it is no fun if you don't know where to start or have been led to believe that...

SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2024 WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 'Vivid and empowering' GILLIAN ANDERSON 'A stunning book’ BERNARDINE EVARISTO ‘Dazzling’ TARA WESTOVER ‘A story about hope, imagination and resilience’ GUARDIAN An award-winning, inspiring memoir of family, education and resilience...

Have you ever wondered why the rage of one man could determine the fate of an entire civilization? The Iliad is the ultimate examination of human nature under the duress of conflict. Set during the final year of the siege of Troy, Homer's magnum opus explores the complex psychology of leadership, the destructive power of hubris, and the inevitable tragedy of mortality. When the Greek commander Agamemnon insults Achilles, the great warrior withdraws from battle. His comrades are left to face the wrath of the Trojan prince Hector and the divine machinations of Olympus.

The John O’Donohue Audio Original Collection A Sounds True Audio Original: Intimate, life-changing programs with the leading voices in spirituality, personal growth, and healing Weaving Celtic Wisdom with Personal History from a Beloved Philosopher of the Heart John O’Donohue was a...