Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys through Ancient Literature
by Emily Wilson
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Description
How do we give old words new voices? What must a translator lose - and might she gain - when she moves between languages, bringing ancient stories to modern life? Reflecting on the inspiration, interpretation and (mis)appropriation of words from Antiquity to today, Emily Wilson invites us to explore the translator's art and mind - and gives a wholly fresh insight into the joys and quandaries of her own work. From Athenian comedy and Rome's love of Greek culture to Han Kang's novels, Cardi show more B's lyrics and the discoveries she made whilst translating Homer, this is a playful and fascinating voyage into the promise, possibility and constant renewal of our founding classical culture. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
I found this book to be fascinating if not a little dry. This a collection of essay Wilson has written regarding the process and experience and history of translating classic works. It does require a level of background knowledge to truly grasp. It's not an introductory text. As said above it is a little dry so I recommend it for people who are deeply interested in the topic but it's definitely not a general read.
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Wilson occupies the middle ground. “The creation of a more reader-friendly translation does not necessarily imply a desire to appropriate or ‘colonise’ the foreign original,” she says. But nor does she want the shock and surprise of a foreign text to be smoothed over. The tensions and complexities of the original should always be made legible, she believes. This goes for verse form, too.
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Author Information
5+ Works 326 Members
Emily Wilson is Professor of Classical Studies at the University of Pennsylvania. Her other books include, as translator, Homer's Odyssey and Six Tragedies by Seneca.
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The Guardian Book of the Day (2026-05-26)
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- 978,253
- Reviews
- 1
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- Languages
- English
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- 2
