I don't have a college degree. Taking part (for me) in the undertaking would be the equivalent taking a course in literature. I think I might have to try this. It's so far out from my comfort zone it's worth the stab. I'll prepare to get ready to rumble for January. Be prepared for my asking a lot of questions, I'm not going to make this easy on you. :)
Yes, please! I have both Fagles books and am already reading the Introduction to the Illiad. It will be such a pleasure to have a reading group to help me finally understand Homer. Thank you!
These guys have been on my shelf for years - hard cover editions of Fagles - amazingly these classics are among the only Greek and Roman writers that i haven’t read so thanks for this project and schedule - see you in Jan
I have a Reading Aloud Group here in Melbourne Australia. We have read both these epics using various translations. This was a great thing to do. We have also read The Aeneid and The Canterbury Tales. We chases rabbits down holes and even drew our own versions of bits of these. It was very fun. I am sure your read will go well
I decided I was going to read The Iliad and The Odyssey in 2025, so it was incredibly lucky timing that Substack Notes showed me this post today! Will be following along with you. :)
Honestly, that is why I decided to do this. They do seem intimidating, especially alone and if you are unfamiliar with this type of writing. I think that a chapter each week with a group will be very manageable and hope you join us.
I'll try to join you for this. I read parts of both the The Iliad and The Odyssey (Lattimore translation) when I was a Columbia undergrad in the 1970's. They were required reading in one of the courses in Columbia's "great books" core curriculum courses that were (and still are) mandatory for all undergraduates. I enjoyed them. I bought the Fagles translations about 20-25 years ago with the intention of reading both from beginning to end but the most I've managed is parts of each. I now have both the soft cover editions and a very nice set of hard covers in a slip case. If I can keep to this schedule I'll be fulfilling an ambition I've had for quite a while. I'm looking forward to it.
Paul, I look forward to having you along for the ride. I think the schedule is very manageable. One chapter per week which is about 20-30 pages. Bit sized chunks so we can slowly digest this masterpiece together.
Over 20 years ago, I applied to my dream college and they responded by sending me a copy of The Iliad. Life went so many different directions, but I've carried the copy with me (unread) as a reminder of what could have been. Thanks so much for offering this read-along - 2025 is the year I'll dive in!
I don't have a college degree. Taking part (for me) in the undertaking would be the equivalent taking a course in literature. I think I might have to try this. It's so far out from my comfort zone it's worth the stab. I'll prepare to get ready to rumble for January. Be prepared for my asking a lot of questions, I'm not going to make this easy on you. :)
I love it! Sounds wonderful Patti. I look forward to future discussions
I do, too!
I’m with you. Going to do this!
Glad to have you here Lucy!
I never tire of reading Homer! This will be “epic” 😂😂😂
I see what you did there.
I’m ready to try!! (Reading the Fagles introduction is bringing me back to freshman year of college when I really wanted to be a classics major 🥲)
I love it! Glad you are joining this adventure Kim.
Yay, Lucy.
Yes, please! I have both Fagles books and am already reading the Introduction to the Illiad. It will be such a pleasure to have a reading group to help me finally understand Homer. Thank you!
Fantastic Kate! Great to have you here and I am also very excited about the experience.
These guys have been on my shelf for years - hard cover editions of Fagles - amazingly these classics are among the only Greek and Roman writers that i haven’t read so thanks for this project and schedule - see you in Jan
Charles, this is great! Glad to have you and look forward to your voice in the discussion.
My favorite translations.
Thanks Victor, hope you will join our discussion as we go along next year.
I love the Caroline Alexander Iliad and the Emily Wilson Odyssey...don't own the Fagles...Can I still come & play?
Also: has anyone else discovered Emily Wilson's substack? Wonderful!
So accessible, thoughtful, informative.
Of course you can come and play! All translations are welcome.
I have seen Emily’s substack and I agree it is great.
Can you link her account please.
https://emily613.substack.com/
Thank you
I have a Reading Aloud Group here in Melbourne Australia. We have read both these epics using various translations. This was a great thing to do. We have also read The Aeneid and The Canterbury Tales. We chases rabbits down holes and even drew our own versions of bits of these. It was very fun. I am sure your read will go well
Thanks Ann Marie! What a great idea to have a reading aloud group. I love it.
I decided I was going to read The Iliad and The Odyssey in 2025, so it was incredibly lucky timing that Substack Notes showed me this post today! Will be following along with you. :)
Kate, don't you love the serendipity in life? Welcome and glad to have you here.
I’m in! 😆 I went and bought my Wilson copies this week.
Wonderful! Great choice.
I might just join you. I’ve never read these but always wanted to. They always seemed intimidating for some reason.
Honestly, that is why I decided to do this. They do seem intimidating, especially alone and if you are unfamiliar with this type of writing. I think that a chapter each week with a group will be very manageable and hope you join us.
I'll try to join you for this. I read parts of both the The Iliad and The Odyssey (Lattimore translation) when I was a Columbia undergrad in the 1970's. They were required reading in one of the courses in Columbia's "great books" core curriculum courses that were (and still are) mandatory for all undergraduates. I enjoyed them. I bought the Fagles translations about 20-25 years ago with the intention of reading both from beginning to end but the most I've managed is parts of each. I now have both the soft cover editions and a very nice set of hard covers in a slip case. If I can keep to this schedule I'll be fulfilling an ambition I've had for quite a while. I'm looking forward to it.
Paul, I look forward to having you along for the ride. I think the schedule is very manageable. One chapter per week which is about 20-30 pages. Bit sized chunks so we can slowly digest this masterpiece together.
Over 20 years ago, I applied to my dream college and they responded by sending me a copy of The Iliad. Life went so many different directions, but I've carried the copy with me (unread) as a reminder of what could have been. Thanks so much for offering this read-along - 2025 is the year I'll dive in!
Michelle, you are very welcome and I am glad you are here to join along. It is going to be a great journey.
The Odyssey is one of my all time favorite reads. I think I shall tag along!
Rachel, this is wonderful! Glad to have you here.
Oh, what fun!
Thanks Lisa!