Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey gives UK poetry sales an epic boost
Summary
Sales of poetry books in the UK are rising sharply in 2026, helped by Christopher Nolan’s popular movie adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey. Poetry sales have already passed £8 million this year and could reach a record £17 million if the trend continues.Key Facts
- UK poetry sales increased by 13.3% in the first 30 weeks of 2026 compared to the same time in 2025.
- Annual poetry sales are expected to top £15 million for the first time since records began, possibly reaching £17 million.
- The Odyssey’s UK print sales rose by 1,400% in the four weeks after Nolan’s film release in July 2026.
- Editions of The Odyssey and The Iliad made £980,000 of poetry sales this year, about 12% of all poetry book sales.
- Nolan’s film earned $264 million (£198 million) worldwide in its opening weekend, his best ever.
- US sales of The Odyssey print editions increased by 76% in 2026 according to sales data.
- The poetry market was growing before Nolan’s movie, helped by social media poets like Rupi Kaur who brought poetry to wider audiences.
- The Odyssey’s 2017 translation by Emily Wilson is the main version selling well, though Wilson criticized the movie for lacking depth.
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