Thursday, February 18, 2021

Books that I Have Read from or about Greco-Roman and other Ancient literature




Greek literature includes some great mythological and philosophical works of the Western Canon. The Iliad and The Odyssey are two of the main great works from Greek literature. As much though as I like Greek literature, I prefer the literature of the Romans and their descendants. Latin literature is possibly my favorite language-literature of classical literature. Of course, the influence of Latin language literature went well beyond that of the ancient and classical world. Some of the most important classics of the Medieval World were also written in Latin. This post, however, only lists literary works that I have read before the spread of Christianity in the fourth century. 

While most casual readers are familiar with Homer's The Iliad and The Odyssey, in many ways, Latin literature has had as greater influence upon Medieval literature (and therefore this medievalist) than did Greek literature.  The Aeneid by Virgil is one of many great works from the Romans.  Latin literature took much from the Greeks before it. Homer, was an inspiration to many of the Roman classical writers. 

We owe the Greeks and Romans much about the great philosophies and literature works that have transcended admired readers for many generations. Thousands of years after Homer, we are still enriched by some of the greatest stories of all time that originated with the Greeks and Romans.

Although English literature originated in the Middle Ages, {though some consider Beowulf to be an ancient work of literature}, there are plenty of books about The Greco-Roman World that is important for Literature major of all stripes to read and study. I may however, have forgotten the names of some books that I have read about the Greeks and Romans over the years. 
Books of Mythology: The Trojan War by Olivia Coolidge, Greek Myths by Olivia Coolidge 

Books on the history of the ancient and classical world: Augustus Caesar's World, The Osborne Time Traveler Book of Rome and Romans by Heather Amery and Patricia Vana, Marathon by David. J. Califf, Famous Men of Greece by John H. Haaren and A. B. Poland, Famous Men of Rome by John Henry Haaren. 

 Books of Literature: The Iliad by Homer, The Odyssey by Homer, Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, The Metamorphoses by Ovid, The Eclogues by Vigil, The Georgics by Virgil, Classics of Catholic Tradition: The Passion of SS. Perpetua of Felicity Together with the Sermons of Saint Augustine by W. H. Shewring, Treatise on the Passover by Origen of Alexandria, The Didache, First Clement, Second Clement, The Aeneid by Virgil. 




9 comments:

  1. Once again, a very interesting riding. I'm not very familiar with Greek or Latin Riders. But you talked about Virgil I believe being a great Storyteller. I know a lot of rednecks in these Hills of Tennessee that can tell you a story a fishing story that is. Haha. Thanks for sharing Joshua. Dad

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  2. I’m definitely not updated as I should be in this 😬 I’m so impressed that you are so well read! Good for you sir Joshua

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  3. I’m definitely not updated as I should be in this 😬 I’m so impressed that you are so well read! Good for you sir Joshua

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  4. i’m amazed at your knowledge and hard work!

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  5. Very interesting...in your opinion, does it seem that Greek literature is more popular, or, at least, more widely read? It seems that way to me, but it may just be because of my own experience.

    Whitney

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    1. I think you are right Whitney. Greek literature does seem to be more read than the literature of the Romans. Homer, Plato, Aristotle are still read widely today. That said, many in the Medieval west knew little of Homer's works until the late Middle Ages. Whereas Homer maybe more well known than Virgil to most modern readers, Virgil was more well known to the medievals than was Homer.

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