Interactive Historical Fiction e-books
The Odyssey of Homer by Barbara Leonie Picard
The tragedy of Achilles, who prefers a short and glorious life to a long and obscure one, forms the dramatic core of this complex story of the war between the Trojans and the Greeks. Son of a mortal and a god, Achilles is boldly portrayed against a fabric of those noble deeds which later were to provide the Greeks with their dramatic mythology.
Illustrated in the classical tradition by Joan Kiddell-Monroe, this prose companion to Barbara Picard's The Odyssey of Homer is recounted with economy and vigor. The classical essence of the story is maintained as the fate of men, gods and countries emerge with a swift and noble dramatic force entirely in keeping with the lofty nature of The Iliad's intent. Free of ponderous forms and language, this edition of The Iliad conveys the pure quality of that epic and goes far to encourage the reader in the further investigation of the Greek world. KIRKUS REVIEW
For readers age 11 and above.
“About the Author
Barbara Leonie Picard was born in England in 1917, and lived in Sussex from the age of three, except during her schooling at St. Katharine’s School in Berkshire. She decided, while she was at school, that one day she would write—but it was not until 1945 that she made any serious attempt to do so. Then she started to write imaginative stories of the type she had enjoyed as a child, and in 1947, she had a story broadcast on Children’s Hour. This was followed by many others, some of which were afterwards published in anthologies and annuals. Her first book was published in 1949.
Besides medieval and ancient history, Miss Picard numbered among her wide interests embroidery, collecting Japanese prints and complete recordings of grand opera, archaeology, languages, mythology, comparative religion, and folk culture. She died on December 15th, 2011.”
