Emily Wilson Embarks on a New Odyssey Translation Journey
POLICY WIRE — Philadelphia, USA — Emily Wilson, a distinguished professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, has announced her intention to retranslate Homer’s “The...
POLICY WIRE — Philadelphia, USA — Emily Wilson, a distinguished professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, has announced her intention to retranslate Homer’s “The Odyssey”. This decision comes as a surprise to many, given her acclaimed 2017 translation that became a bestseller and a topic of cultural debate.
During a recent interview, Wilson clarified that this is a complete retranslation, not a revision of her previous work. She is currently halfway through the project, aiming for a more sophisticated approach and a better reflection of the social worlds in Homer’s poem.
Wilson’s initial translation was groundbreaking as the first major English version by a woman and faced both praise and criticism. Her new approach is expected to be equally impactful, though it poses challenges for educators with two recent editions by the same translator.
The announcement has reignited discussions around her work, especially in light of Christopher Nolan’s film adaptation, which Wilson critiqued for being grandiose and superficial. Her new book, “Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea”, further explores themes of translation and ancient literature.
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In her interview, Wilson also shared her views on celebrity, her critique of Rick Riordan’s “Percy Jackson” series, and her evolving perspectives on Stoic philosophy and the reception of her work.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
