Event – Detail

The Iliad roars with the clamor of arms, the bellowing boasts of victors, the fury and grief of loss, and the anguished cries of dying men. It sings, too, of the sublime magnitude of the world—the fierce beauty of nature and the gods’ grand schemes beyond the ken of mortals. In Wilson’s hands, this thrilling, magical, and often horrifying tale now gallops at a pace befitting its legendary battle scenes, in crisp but resonant language that evokes the poem’s deep pathos and reveals palpably real, even “complicated,” characters—both human and divine.

During six sessions over three months, this small group will read and discover the magic and power of Homer’s poem using Emily Wilson’s 2023 translation. Occasional visits by classics scholars will complement this group-led discussion.

Saturdays, 10:30AM – 12:00PM:  September 7 & 21, October 5 & 19, November 2 & 16

This class is limited to 20 participants. Athenaeum members and area college students (with ID) only. Registration is for the full 6-session series.

Head House Books (619 S. 2nd Street, Philadelphia) is offering a 25% discount on the purchase of Emily Wilson’s translation of The Iliad to class participants with proof of registration.