The Odyssey Inspires a New Generation of Readers
Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Homer's epic poem has sparked a renewed interest in classical literature, with poetry sales in the UK reaching a record high and a surge in print sales of The Odyssey in the US.
## A Classics Summer Thanks to Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, a new generation of readers is discovering the world of classical literature. For some, the film has been a catalyst for exploring the subject further, while for others, it has reignited a long-dormant interest. Tommy Maddinson, 26, from London, is one such reader. He has been inspired by the film to delve into the subject, which has involved cinema trips, visits to the British Museum, and reading Homer's epic before the film's release. Maddinson is not alone, as many others have followed in his footsteps, seeking to understand the cultural phenomenon that is The Odyssey. ## A Record-Breaking Year for Poetry Sales According to market researchers NielsenIQ, poetry sales in the UK are on course to reach a record high this year, with sales exceeding £8m during the first 30 weeks of 2026. This represents an increase of 13.3% on the same period last year. The surge in sales can be attributed, in part, to the popularity of Nolan's film, which has brought attention to the world of classical literature. ## A Newfound Interest in Classics For some, the film has been a game-changer, sparking a newfound interest in classical literature. Kerry Lecomber, 56, from Suffolk, has seen The Odyssey three times and says it has "really stoked" her love "of all things ancient Greece". Lecomber has even started Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey, which her daughter bought her for her birthday. She is now considering pursuing a degree in classics via the Open University. A similar trend can be seen in the US, where print sales of The Odyssey across all editions are up 76% so far this year, according to Circana BookScan figures. Emily Wilson's translation, published by WW Norton, is the bestselling edition. ## A Debate Over the Film's Merits Not everyone is a fan of Nolan's film, however. Emily Wilson, a classicist, recently criticized the film, stating that it "has nothing convincing to say" and "lacks psychological, emotional, political and ethical depth". However, Wilson acknowledged the film's impact in "bringing audiences back to cinemas" and increasing cultural awareness of ancient Greek literature. Despite the criticism, the film has had a profound impact on readers, inspiring them to explore the world of classical literature further. Kaylee Brent, 32, from Montana, says that she was convinced to read The Odyssey and The Iliad after following the back-and-forth critiques and interpretations of Nolan's interpretation. Brent is now even getting into the weeds of translation arguments and having the time of her life. ## A New Era of Readers The Odyssey has inspired a new generation of readers, who are eager to explore the world of classical literature. Emily Hughes, 33, a charity fundraiser from Cheltenham, says that after seeing the film she "wanted to explore the female characters more". Before the film came out, she reread The Odyssey (the Emily Wilson translation), which she "really enjoyed". Hughes is now making up for lost time, having regretted not studying classics at sixth form. The Odyssey has sparked a renewed interest in classical literature, with readers from all walks of life discovering the world of Homer's epic poem. As the film continues to inspire a new generation of readers, it is clear that the impact of The Odyssey will be felt for years to come.
