Available in paperback for the first time, Jenny Strauss Clay's landmark study of the Odyssey argues that Athena's wrath is central to both the structure and the theme of the epic poem. Clay demonstrates that an appreciation of the thematic role of Athena's anger elucidates the poem's complex narrative organization and its conception of the hierarchical relations between gods and men. This edition includes a new introduction by the author.

"It is a pleasure to welcome back into print this corrected reissue of the original 1983 edition. Clay's provocative study guides the reader to useful insights into the complex achievement of the Odyssey, and its value is undiminished . . ." - Religious Studies Review

". . . invariably vigorous, well-stated, and thoroughly informed . . ." - American Journal Of Philology

"Her discussion . . . has much for scholars and teachers, and adds to our understanding of the complexity, ambiguity, and ambivalence in narrative and character in the Oddyssey." - Classical World