Home›
Authors›
Homer

Author Guide

Books Written by Homer

Homer is the name traditionally attributed to the composer of the Iliad and the Odyssey, two of the foundational epic poems of Western literature, though scholars continue to debate whether Homer was a single historical individual or a name attached to oral traditions developed by many poets over generations. Whatever the truth of authorship, these two poems established narrative and heroic conventions that have shaped storytelling for nearly three thousand years.

The Iliad and the Odyssey are the only two works reliably attributed to Homer, and most readers choose to start with the Odyssey for its more accessible, single-hero adventure structure before tackling the Iliad’s dense, ensemble war narrative.

By Lisanne Swart · 2 books · Ancient Greek Epic Poetry · Updated August 2026

Quick answer

Homer is credited with two foundational epic poems: The Iliad, covering a pivotal episode in the Trojan War, and The Odyssey, following Odysseus’s ten-year journey home afterward. The Odyssey is generally the more accessible starting point.

Jump to a book

01
Epic PoetryStart here

The Odyssey

Homer · c. 8th century BCE

Following the Trojan War’s end, Odysseus spends ten years trying to return home to Ithaca, encountering monsters, gods, and temptations along the way, while his wife Penelope fends off suitors and his son Telemachus comes of age in his absence.

Generally considered the more accessible of Homer’s two epics — its episodic, adventure-driven structure and single central hero make it the more common entry point for first-time readers of ancient epic.

Buy on Bol.com →
Buy on Waterstones →
Buy on Amazon →
Listen on Audible →
Buy on Bookshop.org →

02
Epic Poetry

The Iliad

Homer · c. 8th century BCE

Set during a few pivotal weeks in the final year of the decade-long Trojan War, the epic centers on the wrath of Achilles after a bitter dispute with Agamemnon, and the devastating consequences of his withdrawal from battle.

Denser and more ensemble-driven than the Odyssey, with an enormous cast of warriors and gods — considered by many scholars the more formally accomplished and emotionally devastating of the two epics, particularly in its unflinching treatment of war and mortality.

Buy on Bol.com →
Buy on Waterstones →
Buy on Amazon →
Listen on Audible →
Buy on Bookshop.org →

Watch: Homer: The Mysterious Man Who Wrote The Odyssey Documentary

A documentary examining what is known and debated about Homer’s identity and the composition of the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Where to start with Homer

If you want the more accessible entry point

The Odyssey follows a single hero’s adventure-driven journey home.

If you want the more formally ambitious epic

The Iliad is denser, more ensemble-driven, and considered by many the greater literary achievement.

If you want them in narrative order

The Iliad’s events precede the Odyssey’s, though most readers approach the Odyssey first for accessibility.

Frequently asked questions about Homer’s books

How many books did Homer write?

Homer is traditionally credited with two epic poems: The Iliad and The Odyssey. Scholars continue to debate whether both were composed by a single historical author or represent oral traditions developed by multiple poets over generations.

What is the best Homer epic to start with?

The Odyssey. Its single central hero and episodic adventure structure make it more accessible for first-time readers than The Iliad’s dense, ensemble war narrative.

Did Homer actually exist?

This remains genuinely debated among scholars. Ancient tradition holds that Homer was a single blind poet, but many classicists believe the Iliad and Odyssey represent oral poetic traditions refined by many contributors over generations before being written down.

Written by Lisanne Swart

Lisanne curates books for curious readers at lisanneswart.com, publishing original reading lists, author deep-dives, and honest recommendations since 2021. Read more about Lisanne.

More from the shelf

Reading listBest Classic LiteratureBooks that outlasted their century.
Reading listBest Philosophy BooksThinking on paper.
Reading listBest Books by GenreFind your next shelf.
Author indexBooks by AuthorEvery writer on the shelf.

Start Typing
Dummy Image

Hi, there.

Home

About

My Bookshelf

Weekly’s

Stay tuned: sign up for the newsletter!