Homer:
The Iliad
Homer’s Iliad tells the legendary tale of Achilles’ rage–the raging quarrels between Achilles and Agamemnon, and his brutal, vengeful rage on the battlefield. Emily Wilson translates this ancient epic with modern, accessible language and shows many previously hidden dimensions of the story.
The Odyssey
Homer’s Odyssey tells the the famous and harrowing journey of Odysseus, a soldier returning home from the Trojan War. This translation came out in 2017! A lot of the language is easier to understand today, and this translation by Emily Wilson shows so many new truths from an old story.
The Odyssey Books 1-12 Loeb Classical Library
The Odyssey Books 13-24 Loeb Classical Library
For those interested, these are two halves of the Odyssey from the Loeb Classical Library. These are special books that show the ancient Greek on one page, with the English translation (by A.T. Murray) on the other. While the text may be difficult, it’s really fun to compare the translations and the original text!
The Iliad
A translation by Robert Fagles of the epic Iliad, which details the Trojan War. It is a famous tale of Achilles’ rage against Agamemnon, and explores internal conflict within the Greeks.
Learning Languages:
Athenaze Book I
For those interested in learning Attic Greek, this is a very helpful guide and textbook for the language and grammar, beginning with the basics!
Wheelock’s Latin Edition VII
For those interested in learning Latin, this is a very comprehensive guide to the language and grammar, combining educational passages with real historical texts to translate!
History:
The Landmark Herodotus
A great translation and commentary of Herodotus’ Histories, a founding work of Classical history which describes the Greco-Persian wars. Herodotus writes tales of his journeys throughout the world, detailing his conversations with others about their cultures and own histories. Rich with elaborate and detailed images and maps to provide context and engagement.
The Landmark Thucydides
A great translation and commentary of Thucydides’ The Peloponnesian War, a detailed description of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Thucydides coins the word “demagogue” and describes the political turmoil in Athens. Is also filled with detailed images and maps to provide context and engagement.
The Early History of Rome Books I-V – Livy
This history by the Roman historian Livy details the beginning of Rome, and tells the stories of the transition from monarchy to republic. Livy discusses each of the original kings of Rome according to legend, and the founding of the Roman Republic.
The Rise of the Roman Empire – Polybius
This history by the Hellenistic Greek historian Polybius details the rise of Rome as an expansive superpower. The book begins with the first Punic War, discussing the numerous battles between the Carthaginian forces under Hannibal and the Roman forces under the Republic. The outcomes of the Punic Wars were very uncertain, and Hannibal’s tactics are still studied today in many western military academies.
Philosophy:
Nicomachean Ethics – Aristotle
One of the foundational texts of western philosophy, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics rigorously explores ethics. Aristotle searches for the one thing which all things and all people aspire toward–the goal for which we do everything that we do.
Gorgias
An easy to understand translation of Plato’s Gorgias, a fascinating discussion of justice and power. This dialogue portrays a conversation between Socrates and the rhetorician and philosopher Gorgias.
The Five Dialogues
A collection of Plato’s Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno, and Phaedo. The first four books detail Socrates’ trial and his final moments leading up to his execution, and are some of the most influential works of philosophy from the Classical world. It begins with the Euthyphro, where Socrates discusses his charges of corruption and impiety with the prophet Euthyphro. In the Apology, Socrates gives his defense to these charges at his trial. The Crito depicts a conversation between Socrates (in his prison cell) and his friend Crito. Crito wishes to break Socrates out of his cell, but Socrates explains why he does not want to be rescued. The Phaedo shows a secondhand account of Socrates’ arguments in his last days by Phaedo. The Meno shows a conversation between Socrates and Meno, where they discuss what knowledge is, and where it comes from.
How to be Free – Epictetus
A fun introduction to Stoicism by Epictetus through a collection of short adages and pieces of advice for daily life. It contains very simple instructions about how to be free within your own mind. This book contains the original Greek text on one page with the English translation on the other. It’s cool to have them side by side!