MixedAtlanticCross’s book...is a hefty, traditional \'life of.\' Not particularly interested in investigating systemic power and privilege, Cross draws out aspects of life that may have figured more consciously in Homer’s own mind, acknowledging without contempt, for instance, Homer’s pragmatic approach to business ... Cross also gives substantial space to religion ... There are still huge holes, including the nature, or even existence, of Homer’s love life ... Cross alerts us to the theories, but warns that there are only \'a few shreds of evidence\' of any specific sexual dalliance ... Art-historical queries run into similar dead ends ... The tale chugs along on a track of \'would haves\' and \'must haves\'.