Odyssey Update

Now I'm reading TWO versions of The Odyssey

I’m now up to Book 9 in Emily Wilson’s translation of The Odyssey. I also bought Stephen Fry’s Odyssey—which drops the definite article—when I was in Glasgow last week and I’m finding it very helpful to read both books in tandem. Fry’s book isn’t a translation; it’s more of a retelling. It provides some of the back story in the first pages and it’s not until about 70 pages in that we match up with the beginning of Wilson’s translation.

I’ve been starting each day’s reading session with a chapter of Fry’s book, then a chapter—or Book—of Wilson’s translation. It’s really helping me with my comprehension of the story, which has also been enhanced by buying Fry’s other books in the series to follow up on some of the references he brings up. For example, this section on Tantalus in the Mythos book:

I haven’t come across a reference to Tantalus in Wilson’s translation, and it may very well not be there. But to get an overall picture of the mythology, I find these side quests to be helpful. I might read a different translation of The Odyssey after finishing Wilson’s in order to consolidate what I’m learning in a deeper way, especially seeing as this world is all so new to me. And, of course, reading Fry’s other texts would be useful, too. I just wonder how that would affect the next month of following Ted’s list, which was the reason for setting up this Substack. Oh, and there’s Sappho’s Fragments, too. I haven’t even looked at that yet, though I did buy a copy on the same day I bought Fry’s Odyssey in Glasgow.

Has anyone else here read Stephen Fry’s books? If so, what did you think?

How are you all getting on with The Odyssey? What translation are you reading? Where are you up to? Is this your first time? If so, is it what you expected? Let me know in the comments below.

Ted’s List

What’s next on Ted’s list anyway? Good question. Confucius: The Analects. I’d best get a copy of that ordered then!