Homer to Joyce, Interpretations of the Classic Works of Western Literature

Drawing on a humanities course he taught for over two decades at Columbia, Gray discusses in individual essays 18 great works of literature: the Iliad and the Odyssey; the Oresteia; Oedipus Rex, Oedipus at Colonus, and Antigone; The Bacchae; The Frogs; the Aeneid ; Tristan ; Dante's Inferno; Montaigne's Essays; King Lear; Don Quixote; Gulliver's Travels; The Brothers Karamazov; The Waste Land; and Ulysses. In Gray's opinion, all works chosen deal with a search for self and ``enlighten the reader's own identity.'' He touches on theme, imagery, and structure; he also provides historical context. The bibliography cites the standard texts and includes suggested readings. A book most useful to students or general readers who want to know more about these great works, and an optional purchase. Michael J. Esposito, Special Libraries Assn., New York Copyright 1985 Reed Business Information, Inc.