Odyssey Translator Emily Wilson for Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea

Classicist and translator Emily Wilson discusses her book Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea on translating the ancient world.

Emily Wilson, translator of Homer's Odyssey and Iliad and professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, joins Topping & Company to discuss Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea. The talk explores the choices translators face, from the politics of Helen of Troy to Aristophanes' obscenities, and how modern norms of gender, sexuality, violence and power shape readings of ancient works. Accessible to readers without a classical background, the book is both an introduction to Greek and Roman literature and a case for translation's value. Doors open at 6.30pm; stock on the night will be pre-signed, as Emily will not be doing dedications.