Book Club

Book Club

Book Club | August 2017: Virgil Aeneid 11 & 12

…Latinus himself was amazed at these mighty men, born at opposite ends of the world, meeting and deciding the outcome with their swords. As soon as the field was clear on the open plain, they both dashed quickly forward, hurling their spears first from a distance, rushing, with shield and ringing bronze, to battle. The earth groaned: they redoubled their intense sword-strokes, chance and skill mingled together. (Aeneid 12.707–714, translated… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | July 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 9 & 10

While thus in distant region moves the war, down to bold Turnus Saturn’s daughter sends celestial Iris. In a sacred vale, the seat of worship at his grandsire’s tomb, Pilumnus, Faunus’ son, the hero mused. And thus the wonder-child of Thaumas called with lips of rose: (Aeneid 9.1–7  translated by Theodore C.Williams) In previous Book Club discussions we have read Virgil’s Aeneid Books 1–8, which covered the fall of Troy, the escape… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | June 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 7 & 8

Now had the flaming sun attained his way to the mid-sphere of heaven, when they discerned walls and a citadel in distant view, with houses few and far between; ‘t was there, where sovran Rome to-day has rivalled Heaven, Evander’s realm its slender strength displayed: swiftly they turned their prows and neared the town. (Aeneid 8.95–101, translated by A.S. Kline) In previous Book Club discussions we have read Virgil’s Aeneid Books 1–6,… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | May 2017: Virgil Aeneid Books 5 & 6

Follow the handsome advice that old Nautus gives: take chosen youth, and the bravest hearts, to Italy. In Latium you must subdue a tough race, harshly trained. Yet, first, go to the infernal halls of Dis, and in deep Avernus seek a meeting with me, my son. For impious Tartarus, with its sad shades, does not hold me, I live in Elysium, and the lovely gatherings of the blessed. Here… Read more

Book Club

Book Club | April 2017: Xenophon’s Apology of Socrates

The April Book Club selection features Xenophon’s Apology of Socrates. Join in by reading this month’s Book Club selection, a short text by Xenophon about Socrates. The hangout discussion will be on Tuesday, April 25 at 11 a.m. EDT. It might be interesting to compare Xenophon’s view with Plato’s, who also wrote an Apology of Socrates (which you can find in the Sourcebook.) You can read any translation you like.… Read more