classics + epic

The Iliad

Homer · 1990

Achilles quits the fight over Briseis, Patroclus falls to Hector, and Troy burns toward its fate in Homer's war epic.

2,320-word summary · 10 min read

The Odyssey

Homer · 1996

Homer's Odyssey in Fagles translation: Odysseus fights home past Cyclops, Circe, and Sirens while Telemachus seeks news and Penelope stalls suitors in Ithaca.…

2,504-word summary · 11 min read

#3 The Lord of the Rings

The Return of the King

J. R. R. Tolkien · 1955

Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom while Aragorn claims Gondor and Pippin and Merry fight at Minas Tirith.

3,341-word summary · 15 min read

#2 The Lord of the Rings

The Two Towers

J. R. R. Tolkien · 1954

Frodo and Sam crawl toward Mordor with Gollum while Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli chase orcs across Rohan.

2,284-word summary · 10 min read

#1 The Lord of the Rings

The Fellowship of the Ring

J. R. R. Tolkien · 1954

Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring retold: Frodo's flight, Strider, Moria, Lothlorien, and the breaking of the Fellowship.

2,315-word summary · 10 min read