Emily Wilson Journeys Through Ancient Literature

Translator and classicist Emily Wilson discusses her book Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea on translating ancient Greek and Roman literature at St Swithin's Church, Bath.

Emily Wilson, translator of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad, gives a talk exploring how translators approach the ancient past, drawing on twenty years of scholarship. She discusses the choices translators face, from the politics of Helen of Troy to Aristophanes' obscenities, and how modern norms of gender, sexuality, violence and power complicate readings of ancient works. The event marks her book Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea, an introduction to Greek and Roman literature and a case for translation's value. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start; books will be pre-signed as the author will not be dedicating on the evening.