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

[@LynnetteReads]

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

[@JeansThoughts]

Noted ;)

[@heliab4112]

Agreed :D

[@IreneAhmed]

Seconded!

[@readingaddict]

Roger that!

[@KikiFu]

Yes, please 💕

[@siennaoriordan319]

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

[@JeansThoughts]

That's so cool!

[@majkenulvag4147]

I would love a where to start Philosophy recommendation too!

[@danielaayers3449]

I second this!

[@divinedia]

Dialogues of Plato are great

[@themerryprankster44]

Socrates, Plato, Aristotle. There.

[@ladysyin]

@@themerryprankster44 thank you :)

[@hmldjr]

Marcus Aurelius

[@amandalavelle2638]

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

[@jess2424ica]

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!

[@hughmanatee7433]

I can highly recommend the Robert Fagles translation of The Odyssey. I think people are intimidated by these works but we should not be. The stories are really campfire tales of heroes and monsters. Yes it goes deeper but they are really great, fun stories as entertainment.

[@maxr8029]

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

[@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.

[@ampersandcastle1091]

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 :))

[@laurastern9477]

Hey congratulations!!!!

[@myratogonon]

Congrats

[@welshreader]

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

[@JeansThoughts]

Yay so glad it’s useful!!

[@WhimsicalFamilyLife]

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

[@serenabenvoluto1634]

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

[@kristenhuck3546]

she is the reason i wake up in the morning. sapphic icon.

[@rambleonrunaway9144]

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! ❤️

[@JeansThoughts]

Yaaaay I love some serendipitous timing! I hope you enjoy the Odyssey :)

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

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.

[@nbenefiel]

I remember hearing a friend reading the Iliad in his flawless Attic Greek at the theatre at Ephesus 50 years ago.

[@michelle.planteachread.413]

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.

[@misskit123]

I'm starting with your book. It's SO beautiful. If I'd owned this as a child I reckon it would have been my favourite!

[@JeansThoughts]

Aw thank you so much that is incredibly kind!!!!

[@misskit123]

@@JeansThoughts I'll come back to this video when I've finished it. That way I will have more of an idea who everyone is! I want to get to Madeline Miller's books quite soon. I've heard such good things.

[@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.

[@juleslefumiste9204]

Care to expand on that?

[@Wanderness]

@@juleslefumiste9204 I was called "un-cultured" on my first day in class when I opened my mouth and it was clear I was from the working class north. I continuously had comments about being publically educated, sounding the way I do, and being from a northern town. I was spoken over when I tried to contribute. The lecturers and seminars leaders sat in silence, even when I broke down in tears one day asking what I had done to deserve to be outcast. Switched to modern and made friends for life.

[@flyinglobster9552]

Could you not have switch time slots for a different class sorry I’m not in uni yet so I don’t know

[@Wanderness]

@@flyinglobster9552 no typical there's only one group

[@SiddharthaGuatama]

I hope the rest of your Ph.D. studies go smoothly, and your dissertation comes to your flawlessly. Sincerely, Brian B. Wood, Ph.D.

[@IWantYoutoBeHappy4Ever]

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!

[@bookishme3635]

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!

[@Liz86000]

Always wonderful to hear you talk about Greek Myths Jean !

[@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!

[@daniijwright]

Oh my I have been trying to find the book I read back in school for the longest and you just helped me !!!

[@robertdaley5025]

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.

[@juliananino2000]

Ahhhh Jean it’s as if you read my mind! I’ve recently been trying to get into Ancient Greek lit but have felt so overwhelmed 😩 this was perfect!!!! I have so much faith in your recs

[@nudge2626]

Excellent breakdown. Would love to see the video on Greek Historians one day.

[@AuroraWhispers]

Thanks for this! I bought your book and even though you say it's a children's book it's a fantastic book to introduce people to the myths and I love it!! I think I will buy the Library of Greek Mythology too and a few others :-D

[@JeansThoughts]

Oh I'm so pleased! I like to think there is enough info/text in there that it can be enjoyed by all ages especially if they need an introduction but don't want to confuse anyone before they buy it.

[@TomCarberry413]

For those who don't want to spend a lot of money starting to read Greek lit, most (I think all) of the works you mentioned exist online for free in PDF and other formats. The online versions come from older translations for the most part (such as Loeb Classics), but still mostly well done by smart people like James Frazer. You can get the more recent Robert Fagles translations of the Iliad and Odyssey for free online. Good luck on your PhD and in the future. You also can get interlinear versions of some of them for those interested in learning Greek.

[@adrienne4028]

I very much enjoyed this video. Per your recommendation from another of your videos, I read Emily Wilson's translation of The Odyssey and loved it. I have listened to your podcasts and find them informative and entertaining. I have more time to read because I am recently retired after teaching elementary school for over 30 yrs. I subscribed to your channel and faithfully watch all your videos. Good luck with finishing your PhD.

[@inessamaria2428]

I love your enthusiasm on the topic! :-)

[@Jorge-cf6xk]

you have convinced me with your sincerity and knowledge: Congratulations on your Ph.D! I am now a subscriber.....

[@jackbyne1909]

This was such a great video - gave me exactly the info I was looking for🙏🏻

[@IreneAhmed]

Though Daphis and Chloe by Longus is the most famous greek novel. There's few others that I find interesting as well. Such as Callirhoe by Chariton that deserve their spot in the limelight as well. The B.P.Reardon compilation, I find, to be very easy and accessible to read.

[@snowingonolympus8588]

the way i started BEAMING when you held up the emily wilson translation of the odyssey ... and that's on the first non-sexist translation of homer!

[@JodieTheReader]

Read Dahnis and Chloe after watching this video this morning. Absolutely loved the story and it was very easy to read. One of my new favourites. Off to the the book store to see if they have any of your other suggestions.

[@victoriamichelle2977]

Omg, yes please! I would very much appreciate an introductory to roman and Latin literature

[@dimpall4647]

Συγχαρητήρια γιὰ τὴν ἐνασχόλησή σας μὲ τὴν ἀρχαία ἑλληνικὴ γραμματεία! Χαίρομαι ὅταν βλέπω ἀνθρώπους ἀπὸ ἄλλες χῶρες νὰ ἀσχολοῦνται μὲ τὴν πνευματικὴ κληρονομιά μας.

[@tommock4053]

This is a gift! Thank you for the recs!

[@daimarelis1]

I love "introduction to" videos, thank you so much for this.

[@buzzselous3757]

Great video, thank you. Will you be doing a Part Two, on Greek history and philosophy?

[@JeansThoughts]

I think I’m going to do all over historical writings so Greek and Roman in one video - ancient classical history 😁

[@sabrinaburton7158]

I started with Daphnis and Chloe from your recommendation and then after reading The Silence of The Girls picked up The Iliad and loved it, I am currently reading Jason and the Golden Fleece and will read the Odyssey after. However, I was a bit lost for what to read after so this is amazing!

[@caraboska]

I am loving this overview of texts with an eye to understanding the world of Classical literature. What I would love to hear is recommendations about the order in which one might go about tackling these items if one assumed that one was going to read them in the original language rather than in translation - so, which one is the easiest to read, then the next easiest, etc. I would also be all for a video on Latin literature - likewise, maybe even two versions: one analogous to this one; the other, from a standpoint assuming that the works will be read in Latin, showing which works are the easiest to read, the next easiest, etc.

[@lucylangford8259]

Loved this video Jean! I was in the same boat- I grew up in a working class background and went to a regular school where none of this was mentioned/taught (I wish it was). I've only gotten interested in (pre-dominantly) Greek myth in the last two years and I'm almost 27!

[@mais.p]

Thank you endlessly for this list Jean, my bookshelf is going to be well-stocked

[@CezzL]

I know I'm very late to this video but I just wanted to say thank you so much for it. I've only recently got into Greek mythology and am currently reading (and loving) The Odyssey. This has given me so many great ideas about where to go from here.

[@signoguns8501]

Good stuff. Legitimately impressed with your knowledge. A fascinating subject to study.

[@cheimachmak2768]

I think what you said at the begining of the video is very interesting specifically a I am French. In France the Odyssey and Homer are studied quite early on. You start at around 11 years old and continue until 16 and if you decide to do your A-levels in litterature then until you're 18 years old. Its isn a very very common subject. I remember doing a very big project during my first year at high school about Perseus and the 'retelling' of Percy Jackson :)

[@JeansThoughts]

It’s so different everywhere. I think in overly simplistic terms classics is tied up a lot with the British empire, aristocracy and private education in the UK and they’ve tried very hard to hold on to that as a status symbol over the decades. It’s really nice to hear about the culture being different elsewhere cause it just demonstrates how much nonsense it is here.

[@cheimachmak2768]

@@JeansThoughts I literally never thought about it because it is so 'random' here so I appreciate the fact that your video offered some education on the topic. Thank you ☺️

[@audreymaccready5778]

Brilliant introduction to ancient Greek literature. You're now my go-to source!

[@thebookgeek87]

I love Greek mythology and I'll be purchasing your book. This video was great!

[@zahraonokevbagbe2725]

As someone with a classical civilization major, you always have my stamp of approval for these videos Jean! Love how you make this area of writing accessible for people 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@nikkithegeek3525]

Thank you! This will be a huge part of my summer reading list :-D

[@JeansThoughts]

Yay happy to be of help!

[@thetastychapter]

Great in depth video 🤩 Thank you for sharing your passion. I have sent this to my dad too because he has been saying he’s keen to get into this type of literature. Thank you! (you’ve also given me some gift ideas for him 😝)

[@BonjourColey]

This was such a great and thorough video. My book cart is full now 😂 thank you!!

[@silviaholm3890]

Already bought Daphnis and Chloe, but Aristophanes is definitely on my reading list now! Love your videos, especially the niche Ancient ones 💖 good vibes from Germany!

[@SuperBlob42]

Just found this channel, awesome, love it.

[@MoJordanReads]

I just found your channel and was super excited to see this video. I've gotten really into Greeky mythology lately and look forward to reading some of these books!

[@marthajumartins]

What a joy this video! Thank you !!

[@JeansThoughts]

Oh I'm so glad!

[@silkemaria7339]

Thank you so much for all the work and time you spent on this fantastic video; it's always a delight to hear you talk about this topic and I always learn or discover something new ♥

[@bookterror]

Every time I want to get into Ancient literature I always get overwhelmed by all the different translations available (and that's not even looking at all the German translations that are usually more accessible to me), so this is really helpful!

[@erinreadsalot]

I loved this video! I've gotten the chance to read several of these during various classes, but I'm excited to pick up some more of them! Thank you for the recs! Also the Oxford World Classics editions are so nice!!

[@petrina7883]

Fascinating topic. I have the same copy of The odyssey but I’m struggling to get into it. I will keep trying.☺️

[@JeansThoughts]

I definitely think it picks up the more you read!!

[@amoura9586]

Yes! I would love to hear about Roman and Latin Myths! Love this video thank you!

[@beckyjohnson7675]

This was a phenomenal video! I’ve saved so many to my wish list.

[@rachel2880]

Fantastic resource, thank you so much!! 😍🥰🌿🏛🏺📚

[@JeansThoughts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@marikastrom4901]

Sappho is a must! Such lovely and deeply moving poetry.

[@JeansThoughts]

100% agree!

[@danielfitzgerald2561]

I read The Odyssey when I was 21 and thought it was great but I feel I would get more out of it now at the age of 32. I recently stumbled across Howard Blooms list of western canon and ordered a few of the Greek works. Really excited for them to arrive so I can get started.

[@sharingforimprovement155]

Wow. This was amazing thank you so much this is so helpful

[@anettebecker1659]

Great video, thanks for the tips (bad for my wishlist though). A video on Latin lit would be very welcome!

[@vedicapproach8105]

Wonderful and inspiring. Thank you!

[@jurgitasirvydyte7289]

Well, I have never felt any urge to read Ancient Greek literature before, but after watching this episode I am going to a bookshop with a list 👍

[@JeansThoughts]

My ultimate goal mwuhahaha! ;)

[@IcySync]

So helpful! Thank you! Yes, a Roman and Latin video would be much appreciated!

[@nbenefiel]

We started with the apologia freshman year, Mark sophomore year, the Iliad junior year and the Odyssey senior year. As a grad student I used my Latin much more than my Greek.

[@lenirlacerdacosta7694]

Amazing video! (Also your hair looks awesome and red is definitely your color!)

[@sheepinaspaceship]

Great video, i'll save it for future reference :D. Also, i'd love to see a similar video all about roman literature

[@miriaml516]

This is great!!! Thank you for doing it. I hope you do the Roman guide video soon!!!

[@localabsurdist6661]

Thank you so much for this video 🙌💛

[@angelacraw2907]

Thank very much for your recommendations. I'm reading Hamilton at the moment which I am really enjoying. She gives some context to the myths and also cites the sources of the myths too. I hope your PHD went well. Have you published anything for adults since this video? I've read the odyssy and iliad years ago. I much preferred the odyssy too. I'll also read a few more Fry as he is a compelling voice. I love poetry, but I haven't read any Sappho so I'll see if I can get a copy. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@jannarosereads4805]

This was so helpful, thank you!

[@ambermayer7851]

Off topic, but the ads I'm getting in this video are for the gorgeous hair event. Which is a sale one of the store chains here in the US has going on right now and it's just terribly appropriate for a Jean video considering Jean always has such gorgeous hair.

[@JeansThoughts]

Aaaw, I had no idea where this comment was. going and then it was so sweet!!!

[@samworley3960]

wow my TBR just got so large thank you for this!!! I'd love to hear your thoughts on the best Greek History books as well if possible:)

[@WildernessReader]

New subscriber here. I love this video it's very informative. I hope you make a Roman and Latin one also.

[@ReadingNymph]

This was super helpful!

[@JeansThoughts]

I'm so glad!

[@Tolstoy111]

Nicely done

[@eleanar6252]

I love that your main purpose is accessibility and you mention here that they plays were part of religious festivals - here is important to remind that the performances were free for poor and everyone essentially because there were "sponsors" for that (at least during 5th century BC)...so indeed these plays were not to stay with the upper class but to educate everyone - it is important in a society everyone to have a good level of education

[@konstantinatsaka4596]

Thanks for the video. I think Herodotus and Thucydides should be included in this video

[@WTKmixes]

Would be awesome if you did the same type of introductory video to ancient latin literature. Thans so much for the insight!

[@JeansThoughts]

I really want to!!

[@LostinTimeWithKatie]

Thank you so much for this Jean! This was amazing ✨ My favorite works of Ancient Greek literature so far have been Daphnis and Chloe and Sappho’s poetry. I just added The Library of Greek Mythology to my tbr because of this video, so thanks for the recommendation! 📚 Ps. I would love a video on Roman and Latin literature 😍👍🏻

[@WhatVictoriaRead]

Fabulous video, thank you!

[@JeansThoughts]

So glad you liked it!!

[@theministryofutmosthappiness]

I would definitely love latin and roman mythology recommendations ❤️

[@tasha1727]

You have a very clear speech. I am Russian, I love Greek mythology and foreign languages. It's so nice to understand what a person is saying in another language. Thanks

[@rukminiprabhu2397]

This video was really informative and has inspired me to read The Odyssey. However I am still quite intimidated by it. Is there any retelling that i could read first? Also your top is really cute :)

[@adrienne4028]

Emily Wilson's translation (the oneJean held up) is easy to read and has a great introduction by Ms. Wilson.

[@rukminiprabhu2397]

@@adrienne4028 Thank you!

[@ruth3083]

The audiobook of the same version (narrated by Claire Danes) is also very easy to listen to. I was super intimidated but flew through the audiobook!

[@ndarion]

Great books, have read most of them! I would also add Euripides' Alcestis to your list!

[@kelsqi-books4835]

I really want to read the odyssey. In school like 15 years ago we studied it, but they only had us read excerpts. I should read that next 🥰

[@theuberman7170]

This is exactly what I was looking for.

[@viktoriabazyk8193]

i feel like a good translation can greatly facilitate getting into classic lit so thank you for giving recs for the illiad and the odyssey! i've heard lattimore and wilson mentioned quite often so they must be good. could you also tell which are your preferred translations of the plays that you mentioned?

[@JeansThoughts]

I don't think I said but I always included my personal favourite translation as the edition I held up so they should be linked in the description too ^_^

[@michaelmayen6240]

Homer's Iliad, of course! An old English translation for tasting language and poetics

[@apocalypsereading7117]

thanks so much for this resource! i actually think emotionally the Theban plays work best in the order of writing, or at least with Oedipus at Colonus at the end, but for an introduction to the story then i can see why you'd push for chronological order. i love Ovid so yes please to a Roman version! also any recs for translations of Apollodorus?

[@FSVR54]

Not having The Histories by Herodotus is a huge oversight!!

[@JeansThoughts]

If you listened to the entire video you would have heard that I explicitly didn't include any historical writings on purpose. I will be doing an entire video dedicated to greek and roman historical writings.

[@barryocallaghan2992]

Your channel is very informative to watch. Thank you. Much gets spoken about Robert Graves "The Greek Myths". Are they a good place to start or did Graves interpret the legends to suit his writing?

[@JeansThoughts]

They're definitely his reinterpretations. They have some solid stuff but you'll also get some of his changes in there that don't adhere to the originals aha.