Thirty-three sound bite passages rework The Iliad while opposite pages contain collages composed of newspaper fragments. The clippings report 20th century warfare, murders, terrorist acts, celebrity scandals, human rights abuses, corruption, sexism, abandonment--and more. Detailed photo credits document the graphics. Fleischman runs a risk by demonstrating his remarkable versatility as a writer in this particular manner. Neither classics enthusiasts nor Homer himself would appreciate this truncated retelling. Fleischman contends that previous listeners and readers of The Iliad have found "real human nature" in it. He reminds readers of Dateline: Troy that "Envy-maddened Ajax, lovestruck Paris, crafty Odysseus, and all the others...live among us today. Though their tale comes from the distant Bronze Age, it's as current as this morning's headlines. The Trojan War is still being fought. Simply open a newspaper." Simply open this book. (Ages 10-16)

"Perhaps the ultimate model for making history relevant. . . .A superb and often inspiring work." - KIRKUS REVIEWS



The 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.