Though not a book, this is a perfect gift for book-lovers. Beautifully presented in every way, the box contains a 10-page fold-out booklet written by Daisy Dunn, and a white paper bag printed with wine-dark waves from which spill 1000 jigsaw pieces to create a stunning interpretation of Homer’s Odyssey, designed by talented artistic team, ‘Good Wives and Warriors’.

Daisy Dunn’s booklet summarises the story of the Odyssey in 19 sections. The aim is not to match the poem faithfully but to introduce it to new readers; sensibly, therefore, it narrates the tale in chronological order. In fact, sections 1–17 of the booklets cover Books 1–13 of Homer’s poem, and the final two sections (roughly 100 words) cover the second half of the poem. The summary is peppered with references to the ‘likely’ modern locations of the mythical places Odysseus visits; this feature is sure to please new readers and also ties nicely in with the illustration’s map theme.

In addition to the summary, the booklet contains paragraphs explaining ‘The Epic Poem’, ‘Homer’ and ‘The Power of the Odyssey’. The section on ‘Homer’ deals with the unknowability of the composer and provides an introduction to the processes of oral composition; the explanation is succinct and accessible to non-specialists, but does not shy away from the complexities of the poem’s composition. The author has produced an admirably comprehensive and comprehensible introduction in a very small space.

The illustration for the puzzle is printed on the back of the box, very handily, and it is an enjoyable puzzle to put together; the level of detail meant that most pieces had identifying features (unlike some deliberately more frustrating puzzles). The image is an absolute feast for the eyes, with a lively colour palette, typical of the mythological work of Becky Bolton and Louise Chappell, the award-winning illustrators behind ‘Good Wives and Warriors’. Taking an appropriate ‘map style’ as its theme, with areas of land and sea in varieties of close-up, decorative lines all over the image are suggestive of contour lines. Rather beautifully, Penelope and Telemachus are at the centre of the jigsaw – Penelope is shown unravelling her weaving, within which she has rendered the feasting suitors – while Odysseus’ adventures swirl around them. The artists have included an impressive number of recognisable scenes, with charming and highly sympathetic characterisation; Polyphemus weeps bloody tears, Calypso daintier ones. There is much wit to enjoy; Penelope and Odysseus’ romantic reunion arises from a pool of blood, the ‘Bag of Winds’ episode is depicted on the outline of an untied bag. Most enjoyable are the ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ details: Poseidon’s angry face appearing in the waves, Odysseus snoozing while his men slaughter Helios’ cattle, the visit to the Underworld represented on the friezes of a red-figure amphora, minute grieving women on the battlements of Troy. Boats and waves are dotted everywhere, alongside a huge lyre, from which it all originates.

This is a perfect gift for lovers of the Odyssey; author and illustrators all know the material well – there is little to irritate a purist here. But it would also intrigue puzzle-lovers who may only know the outline of the myth; the fascinating illustrations and clear written guide would likely send some in Homer’s direction. This is an innovative way to spread the love of ancient texts – to borrow Daisy Dunn’s words which close her section on the Odyssey’s literary and cultural endurance – ‘Long may this continue’.