Why Homer Matters: Reading the ‘Iliad’ and the ‘Odyssey’ Today
Joseph Luzzi (PhD, Yale) is the Asher B. Edelman Professor of Literature and Faculty Member in Italian Studies at Bard College, and he taught previously at the University of Pennsylvania. His work has appeared in The New York Times, TLS, The London Times, the Guardian, Chronicle of Higher Education, and on National Public Radio. Dr. Luzzi’s awards include a Yale College Teaching Prize, Dante Society of America Essay Prize, and Wallace Fellowship at Villa I Tatti, Harvard’s Center for Italian Renaissance Studies. He is the author of five books and recently created The Virtual Book Club: an international community of readers dedicated to exploring major literary works past and present.
Overview
What makes the magnificent epic poems of the ancient Greek poet Homer still relevant to our contemporary world? How can his masterpieces the Illiad and Odyssey help us make sense of some of the greatest cultural, political, and social problems we face? In this presentation, Professor Luzzi will explore the magnificent world of Homeric epic in relation to such contemporary issues as the effects of endless war, the nature of honor and the costs of ambition, the claims of fame, and the idea of home itself.
Prof. Lizzie always manages to bring to life the amazing works of great writers/philosophers and stirs interest to read these classic works! Love his passion and enthusiasm for his profession!