Synopses & Reviews
An instant classic for schools and libraries!"The Trojan War is ancient history. Yet, as Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman reveals, the story of the ILIAD is as current as this morning's newspaper."
The legend of the Trojan War, with its twists of tragedy and powerful portraits of human nature, has transfixed listeners and readers for thousands of years. Now Paul Fleischman retells Homer's epic poem the ILIADingeniously juxtaposing each episode with newspaper clippings of modern events from the First World War through to the Gulf Warto reveal astonishing parallels between the ancient world and our own. In proud Achilles, crafty Odysseus, and lovestruck Paris, we recognize our own leaders, enemies, and next-door neighbors. In their misbegotten battles we perceive the waste of modern warfare. Enthralling storytelling as well as a penetrating look at the unending nature of war, DATELINE: TROY will leave readers with the enduring sense that history is now.
Synopsis
An instant classic for schools and libraries
The Trojan War is ancient history. Yet, as Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman reveals, the story of the ILIAD is as current as this morning's newspaper.
The legend of the Trojan War, with its twists of tragedy and powerful portraits of human nature, has transfixed listeners and readers for thousands of years. Now Paul Fleischman retells Homer's epic poem the ILIAD--ingeniously juxtaposing each episode with newspaper clippings of modern events from the First World War through to the Gulf War--to reveal astonishing parallels between the ancient world and our own. In proud Achilles, crafty Odysseus, and lovestruck Paris, we recognize our own leaders, enemies, and next-door neighbors. In their misbegotten battles we perceive the waste of modern warfare. Enthralling storytelling as well as a penetrating look at the unending nature of war, DATELINE: TROY will leave readers with the enduring sense that history is now.
Synopsis
"Perhaps the ultimate model for making history relevant. . . .A superb and often inspiring work." - KIRKUS REVIEWSThe legend of the Trojan War, with its twists of tragedy and powerful portraits of human nature, has transfixed readers for thousands of years. In this updated edition of DATELINE: TROY, Paul Fleischman juxtaposes his absorbing retelling of the Trojan War with newspaper clippings from the First World War to the current War on Terror. As the story unfolds, striking similarities between the world of Homer's ILIAD and our contemporary world become clear. Proud Achilles, prophetic Cassandra, crafty Odysseus, and all the rest are reflected in our leaders, enemies, and next-door neighbors. DATELINE: TROY vividly shows both the relevance of the past and its resonance with the present.
About the Author
Paul Fleischman won a Newbery Medal for JOYFUL NOISE: POEMS FOR TWO VOICES and a Newbery Honor for GRAVEN IMAGES. He is also the author of the play ZAP and the award-winning picture books SIDEWALK CIRCUS, THE ANIMAL HEDGE, and WESLANDIA. He lives in Aromas, California.