The Greatest Stories Ever Told? Homer's Iliad and Odyssey, and Virgil's Aeneid

This fall, Crack the Book is heading into the ancient world with an epic reading project: Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, followed by Virgil’s Aeneid. We’ll move at a beginner-friendly pace, keeping our eyes on the forest rather than examining every leaf, while exploring the history, mythology, translations, movies, and enormous cultural influence of these stories.

I’ll be reading Robert Fagles as my primary translation, while dipping into versions by Emily Wilson, W.H.D. Rouse, and Sarah Ruden to see how translation changes the experience. Along the way, I’ll share practical strategies for handling the intimidating number of names, gods, heroes, and places—and bring in guests and experts for other perspectives.

Most importantly, you don’t need to know Greek mythology or be an expert to begin. These books have survived because they are great stories. Come find out why they still have the power to surprise us.

Next week: The Iliad, Books 1–5.

BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Homer, The Iliad — Robert Fagles translation, Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition

Homer, The Odyssey — Robert Fagles translation, Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition

Virgil, The Aeneid — Robert Fagles translation, Penguin Classics Deluxe Edition

Homer, The Iliad — Emily Wilson translation

Homer, The Odyssey — Emily Wilson translation

Homer, The Iliad — W. H. D. Rouse translation (prose)

Homer, The Odyssey — W. H. D. Rouse translation (prose)

Virgil, The Aeneid — Sarah Ruden translation

Apuleius, The Golden Ass — Sarah Ruden translation

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