Where to start with Ancient Greek literature according to an Ancient Historian [cc]

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Links to the books & translations discussed!

Epic Poetry:

Poetry:

Plays:

Other:

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[siennaoriordan]

7:14 that copy is actually translated by my classics teacher! so cool to see it in this video ❤️❤️

[LynnetteReads]

I'd love a Roman and Latin themed guide video!

[majkenulvag]

I would love a where to start Philosophy recommendation too!

[amandalavelle]

I’ve just ordered your book for my son’s birthday next month. Both my sons are autistic and have very particular interests/obsessions and my eldest is very interested in myths and legends. I have to say he’s most interested in Ancient Egypt - but his happy place is sitting with a good book on myths with lots of pictures as his reading level is very low still. So if you fancy doing your next book on Ancient Egypt- you’ve got a pre-order right here. I’ve put quite a few of your recs on my own tbr as well- thank you xx

[jessica]

The Iliad and The Odyssey have been staring at me from my shelves for so long now - maybe this is the year I finally get to them? Thanks for the inspo! Also obsessed with your top!

[ChrisDailyReading]

I’ve read The Odyssey last year (in verse) and found it much more readable/accessible than I expected. Excited to pick up The Iliad next. Thanks for this video!

[seafarer_]

i love how clear and humble this video is! her education and experience with the topic shines through while providing concise explanations on each story without any sort of flexing or snobbery.

i was never a huge fan of literature or poetry in high school or university, but i am a lover of history, and these very accessible sources make exploring these stories so much easier.

[welshreader]

Thank you so much for making this video Jean🤩 I can’t wait to properly dive in to the ancient classics👀

[rambleonrunaway]

I watched your Classics bookshelf tour about a week ago and based off of that I ordered the verse translation of The Odyssey! I'm so glad you uploaded this because it's helping me pinpoint my next book order! 😄 I adored this video! Thank you! ❤️

[michelle.planteachread.]

I have not explored many Greek myths. However as I was an actor for 10 years +4 years training, I did read a lot of plays. My favourite monologue was from Iphigenia at Aulis...I am keen to explore a good bit more, this video is q great guide, thank you.
I want to buy your book to use with my p1 class too, would be great, as you say, to help break concept of them only being considered high art for upper classes.

[WhimsicalFamilyLife]

This is brilliant! Grateful to have a map to study Ancient Greek literature, thank you!!!!

[ampersandcastle]

Thank you for this! I have just found out that I‘ve got into Oxford Uni to study Classics! I’m from a state school though and never studied anything to do with classics before so I’m feeling very intimidated and like I don’t know enough. I’ve read a few of these but there are definitely some useful recommendations here :))

[maxr]

Greetings from Greece! 🇬🇷 I would strongly recommend Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics.

[IWantYoutoBeHappyEver]

Just starting to delve into learning more about the Greek myths and this was so helpful! Thank you! I'm also purchasing your book on Greek myths for my daughters and really looking forward to it!

[bookishme]

Thank you so much for making this! I’ve been fascinated by Greek mythology since I was little and have always wanted to dive into classical literature, but never knew where to start. Now I definitely do!

[serenabenvoluto]

I litrerally went crazy when you mentioned sapho because she's absolutely astounding and also so underappreciated 💕💕

[RubyTraces]

Since my mum always loved the Greek myths, and I've had a fantastic Latin teacher in midde/high school I actually don't really need a starting point for this sort of literature, but it's always a joy to hear you talk about this topic.❤️
Plus I wanted to let you know I've picked up Daphnis and Chloe last week, and I'm really looking forward to reading it!

[Wanderness]

I completely agree about classism in the UK study of classics. I did a history degree and had go switch to modern history modules by the end of my course because I pretty much got bullied in my early years doing classical history. Thanks for this video and the general work you do in making classics and mythology accessible.

[robertdaley]

Have you read Caroline Alexander's translation of the Iliad? I just started reading it. Also, I took an online adult education course on Greek mythology from the University of Chicago last summer. We spent most of the time closely reading Hesiod and the Homeric Hymns. There was so much depth to them.

[fabrisseterbrugghe]

I tried to theme my reading to my travels. I remember reading The Iliad and The Odyssey on the train between Austria and Greece. I was 20 and they were basic Penguin translations, but they were absorbing.