713 The Odyssey (with Daniel Mendelsohn) | The History of Literature Podcast Tour!

The History of Literature

Jacke Wilson

History, Books, Arts

4.6 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 3 July 2025

⏱️ 94 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Homer's Odyssey is one of the oldest surviving works of literature - and yet, somehow, it can also feel like one of the newest. The inventive narrative structure, complex hero, and surprisingly modern themes still feel fresh, thousands of years after the poem's genesis. In this episode, Jacke talks to author and translator Daniel Mendelsohn about his passion for the Odyssey and his efforts to breathe new poetic life into the ancient epic through a vivid new translation. PLUS Jacke announces the official launch of the History of Literature Podcast Tour! Join Jacke and a limited group of travelers as they go on their own epic journey, visiting literary locations in England in partnership with John Shors Travel. Links: Visit the History of Literature Podcast Tour itinerary at John Shors Travel. The Odyssey by Homer, translated with an introduction and notes, by Daniel Mendelsohn An Odyssey: A Father, a Son, and an Epic by Daniel Mendelsohn The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com . Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate . The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	The History of Literature Podcast is a member of the Podglomerate Network and Lit Hub Radio.
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