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Stacy Boone's avatar

I'm in and thank you, Matthew, for leading this read.

FYI, I found a free pdf version here (my copy was not a Fagles translation) - file:///C:/Users/finds/Documents/Odyssey%20Robert%20Fagles%20Translation%20Numbered.pdf

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Christine's avatar

Thank you Matthew for this journey's invitation.

I'm wondering if, in The Odyssey, we can compare the fate and the karma.

I'll be reading the book in French and I look forward for your posts.

Christine from Belgium.

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Lucy's avatar

I could not hang with The Iliad (wimp ). But I’m here to start the journey again with Odyssey.

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Rhea Forney's avatar

What a great introduction to The Odyssey. I’m excited to follow along with you and reread this epic.

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jennifer's avatar

wow! I’m behind and still reading The Iliad but can’t wait to maybe catch up and join in real time, sounds amazing

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Cynthia Amidon's avatar

Wonderful introduction, Matthew; thank you. I'll mainly be deep-reading the Wilson version, but also following along (for the sake of comparison) in the Fagles and Mendelsohn.

I am, however, late to this "Homer party," and - having read this introduction - I'm wondering if I should go back and reread the earlier entries on the Illiad first? Will your Illiad material continue to remain accessible on your Substack platform?

Thank you for providing this opportunity to deeply consider and enjoy these amazing works in company.

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Matthew Long's avatar

Cynthia, the essays and discussions on The Iliad will remain available for anyone. There is no need to go back and read the Iliad first unless you just want to. While the stories are related they can be read independently. So it is up to you on how you would like to approach the reading. The Wilson translation is beautiful so I know you will enjoy it.

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Cynthia Amidon's avatar

Thank you for your response, Matthew, and for continuing to keep the Iliad commentary available. You did an exceptional job researching and writing about it, and I look forward to reading it in depth. I have read the Iliad, it has just been several years; I am looking forward to reading the new Wilson edition of that as well.

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Richard Careaga's avatar

Odysseus has been my lifelong hero, perhaps because I was unfairly tagged as a brainy kid, and the Odyssey is the ultimate Revenge of the Nerds. Also, because he is an imperfect hero whose hubris after escaping Polyphemus sets the table for many of his subsequent woes. Superman never knew defeat and never lied, but only superheroes can be perfect. Odysseus has human imperfections. Certainly, as a captain of men, he is a total failure, unable to maintain discipline.

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