James Daunt, CEO of Barnes & Noble, announced that Homer's ancient epic, "The Odyssey," has become the bookstore chain's best-selling book. This remarkable achievement is largely credited to the release of Christopher Nolan's film adaptation, an event that has significantly boosted public interest in classic literature. Daunt highlighted this as part of a fantastic year for Barnes & Noble, echoing his previous statements about 2025 being a stellar period for the company, despite challenges such as tariffs and competition from independent bookstores.
The success of "The Odyssey" at Barnes & Noble is mirrored across the broader publishing industry. Sales of all translations of the epic are up 76 percent year-to-date, according to Circana BookScan. Digital platforms have also seen a massive increase, with checkouts from e-book lender Libby rising 217 percent from the previous year and global listens of "The Odyssey" audiobook climbing over 300 percent on Spotify.
Emily Wilson's 2017 translation, specifically, has seen a monumental surge, topping 1 million domestic sales this year alone. Publicist Emmy Wenstrup from W.W. Norton confirmed that this sales increase began shortly after Nolan's movie announcement in December 2024. Wilson's translation is also in high demand at libraries, with the New York Public Library system reporting that her edition accounts for 90 percent of print holds and 57 percent of ebook and audiobook holds, significantly outpacing other versions.
Several factors contribute to Wilson's translation's prominence, including Nolan citing it as an inspiration for his film. Gareth Hinds' graphic novel adaptation of "The Odyssey" has also appeared on BookScan's bestsellers list, indicating a diverse appeal for the classic. Daunt’s comments reinforce the idea that cultural phenomena, like blockbuster movies, can significantly impact book sales and drive a revival in classic literature.
