Classics and the Western Canon discussion
Introductions
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Please introduce yourself~
Cassandra wrote: "Patrice wrote: "You know Greek too!!!! We need you!Join the discussion, we're only in Book III!!!!"
Can I join the discussion even if I didn't participate from the beginning?If so,I would lov..."
Welcome, Cassandra! If you've translated parts of the Republic, I think you're sufficiently qualified to join the discussion at any time. :) Reading Plato in Greek is an eye-opening experience, so please share with us any of your insights. I've been trying to read bits and pieces of it in the original, but it's slow going. I'm looking forward to reading your comments!
Cassandra wrote: "Can I join the discussion [of Plato] even if I didn't participate from the beginning? If so,I would love to join you!"Absolutely! Do join in! And you know Greek, so you and Thomas can have wonderful discussions that the rest of us can enjoy eavesdropping on about the intricacies of the translations.
Thomas wrote: "Cassandra wrote: "Patrice wrote: "You know Greek too!!!! We need you!Join the discussion, we're only in Book III!!!!"
Can I join the discussion even if I didn't participate from the beginning?If..."
Thanks for your welcome! I understand what you mean about reading Plato in greek...it's an experience that really opens up your mind, but it's not easy.
I struggled a lot to overcome all the difficulties and pass that exam (since high school, I always preferred to translate Latin than greek!).
Everyman wrote: "Cassandra wrote: "Can I join the discussion [of Plato] even if I didn't participate from the beginning? If so,I would love to join you!"Absolutely! Do join in! And you know Greek, so you and T..."
Aw ... thank you! I definitely will join you in the discussion of Book 4!
Hello! I'm Barbara and I'm new to this group. I live in New York City, and I'm one of the few "native New Yorkers" around. I've lived in a few other cities over the years, but I always end up back here in NYC.I've been working in the magazine business for the past 30 years. I'm in business development, marketing, and advertising. However, due to the fact that the magazine business really hasn't been (and still isn't) doing very well over the past few years, I was out of work for over two years. While I was out of work I found time to read more than I ever have had time for.
I studied drama when I was younger, so I've read all of Shakespeare and a lot of the Greek Tragedies, all of which I absolutely love. Shakespeare was influenced by Ovid, so I've read some of his work, and I have also tried to read as much philosophy as possible over the years (both Western and Eastern.)
Anyway, this past April I finally started working again, and I'm back in the magazine business, so I don't have as much time to read as I did when I was out of work (but I'm certainly not complaining -- I'm very happy to be working again!) Since I'm reading less, I'm trying to be more "picky" about what I read, so I joined many of the groups here on Goodreads to see what others are reading and to get ideas of what to read. (And to have opportunities to discuss what I'm reading with others.)
This group seems to be amazing. The book list is fantastic, and the discussions are so active and incredibly interesting.
I do have a copy of Plato's Republic, and I would love to join in.
I see that you're already up to Book 5. I'm wondering, if I have a question about something in books 1 through 4, could I post the question in the threads for books 1 through 4, or do you prefer staying on schedule and not going back to previous readings?
I'm sorry for such a long post!!! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you!!
Barbara wrote: "Hello! I'm Barbara and I'm new to this group. I live in New York City, ..."Welcome! My father lived in Manhattan (in? on?) for about twenty years, and I lived on Staten Island for two, so I do know the city (and, I have to say, not sorry to have moved across the country to Washington State!)
If you have a question on the earlier books, certainly feel free to post them there. However, realize that you may not get a lot of response if people have moved on in their thinking. So don't take it personally; it isn't a rejection of you or your ideas, just a practical matter of just enough time for the current reading. On the other hand, you may post something that gets an exciting discussion reinvigorated; you never know!
Thank you, Everyman!! I usually say I live in Manhattan, as opposed to "on" but since it is an island, I guess I technically do live on Manhattan. hahaha!!!Washington State is beautiful, so I can't blame you for liking it better out there. I lived in San Francisco for three years, and the entire Bay Area is so beautiful. I really thought I would stay there forever, but I was really missing my family and friends in NY.
Thank you for letting me know how the discussions work.
Most likely I will not contribute much to the Republic since I'm coming in halfway through, but I do have to say that the discussions are fascinating.
I'm looking forward to starting from the very beginning with the next book, and in the meantime I'll do my best to try to keep up with the threads on Republic.
Thanks!!!!
I'm co-leader Great Books KC, a group that meets monthly in the Kansas City area to discuss the classics of literature that have stood the test of time. I have monitored this group (Classics and the Western Canon) for quite some time for ideas to enhance the discussions of our local group. Any who read this who live in the vicinity of Kansas City are welcome to join our meetings. You can learn more at this link:
http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/9...
We just finished Plutarch's Lives. LINK TO MY REVIEW of Plutarch's Lives (a.k.a The Lives of the Great Greeks & Romans or Parallel Lives).
Clif wrote: "I'm co-leader Great Books KC, a group that meets monthly in the Kansas City area to discuss the classics of literature that have stood the test of time. I have monitored this group (Classics and t..."I'm glad if we've been able to enhance your group's discussions; how about you come in from time to time and enhance ours with your insightful thoughts? :) We'd be glad to hear from you!
Clif wrote: "I'm co-leader Great Books KC, a group that meets monthly in the Kansas City area to discuss the classics of literature that have stood the test of time. I have monitored this group (Classics and t..."
Good for you! I'm a member of the Great Books group in Colorado. (We're just finishing Series 5). I love it. It's enriched my life, as I'm sure it's enriched yours.
I like it here on Classics and the Western Canon and I try to participate here when I have the time. I shall try to keep a lookout for you, eh?
Anyway, welcome.
Good for you! I'm a member of the Great Books group in Colorado. (We're just finishing Series 5). I love it. It's enriched my life, as I'm sure it's enriched yours.
I like it here on Classics and the Western Canon and I try to participate here when I have the time. I shall try to keep a lookout for you, eh?
Anyway, welcome.
Dana wrote: "Hello! ..."Welcome! Glad to have you and your newly increased reading time with us!
Hi everyone! Im Cary from the Philippines. I am a Forester by profession, and for those who don't know what a forester is, he/she is literally someone who manages and takes care of the forest. I just discovered recently that one of the famous Forester is Geoffrey Chaucer though I haven't read any of his book yet.I really can't explain why I love reading classics. I just think that I should read them for me to know why they are considered such. My favorite classic author so far is Jane Austen. So there, Im looking forward to read the discussions here and find more book reviews and recommendations.
Welcome, Cary! We did read Chaucer here a while back, so if you were interested you could read through the comments.Jane Austen is an excellent choice for favorite classic author! Though there are also many other equally fine authors to try.
Everyman wrote: "Welcome, Cary! We did read Chaucer here a while back, so if you were interested you could read through the comments.Jane Austen is an excellent choice for favorite classic author! Though there ..."
Thanks everyman!
Hello all! I'm Ashley, currently in Atlanta. I work as a freelance editor, but I've been making an effort to read for pleasure as well as for work (as I once did, not so long ago...), so I thought this group would be a step towards getting back to my old habits.
Ashley wrote: "Hello all! I'm Ashley, currently in Atlanta. I work as a freelance editor, but I've been making an effort to read for pleasure as well as for work (as I once did, not so long ago...), so I thought ..."Welcome, Ashley. You've come to the right place for some great discussions of classic books!
Hi, Jim here.Currently living in France. Before that, 25 years in San Francisco. Before-before that, born and raised in New Jersey in the shadow of the Manhattan skyline. Educated at Rutgers University, New Brunswick.
I've been looking for a sign that I should begin to read Proust, et voila! This group appeared.
Looking forward to November's discussion of Swann's Way.
Greetings, Jim. It sounds like you're just in time. I was just reading an interview with Lydia Davis about translating Proust and Flaubert, but I guess you won't have to worry about translation issues! We're just wrapping up the Republic (well, starting to anyway) and then onwards to Proust. Look forward to seeing you there.
Thomas wrote: "Greetings, Jim. It sounds like you're just in time. I was just reading an interview with Lydia Davis about translating Proust and Flaubert, but I guess you won't have to worry about translation iss..."Thank you Thomas!
Is there a preferred/required translation for this read? The version I see on the home page is by Davis.
Jim wrote: "Is there a preferred/required translation for this read? The version I see on the home page is by Davis. ..."Goodreads tends to lump all translations together under one title record, which the librarian in me finds highly objectionable (Down, boy, Down!), so that shouldn't be taken as an indication of preference. There has been some discussion about Proust translations in the Tea Room thread, but no consensus. And even if there is a consensus, that doesn't mean you have to choose that one.
I presume you'll be reading it in French, but if you have any opinion about the translations, I"d be very interested to hear!
Hello. My name is Chris and I am new both to this group and to Goodreads. I joined this book because I've enjoyed reading the classics of Western Literature in the past, but I'm always intimidated to do it by myself. So, I joined this group to overcome my fears and to get some good insights into these books. Also, as a new Goodreads member, I am in need of some friends, so hit me up if you want to.
Christopher wrote: "Hello. My name is Chris and I am new both to this group and to Goodreads. I joined this book because I've enjoyed reading the classics of Western Literature in the past, but I'm always intimidate..."Welcome, Chris! Glad that you found us. You came at a good time -- we're just finishing up our reading/discussion of Plato's Republic, and after a brief interim read to be put forth in a week or two, we'll move on to Proust's Swann's Way, so you're here in time to get settled in and then start this book with us.
Thomas wrote: "I presume you'll be reading it in French, but if you have any opinion about the translations, I"d be very interested to hear! .."Thomas,
No, French is my second language and isn't developed enough yet to read Proust. I do fine in the cafe and buying vegetables in the market, but Proust is in the future. Maybe by the beginning of 2013, if I'm diligent in my studies. Although, I'm tempted to buy a French copy and do a side-by-side read as I go. Hmmm...
I selected the Lydia Davis translation for this read. It seems to have a lot of positive press in its favor.
Hello,My name is Sara and I live north of Baltimore in horse country. I love to read, but lately have found myself watching more anime than reading, so I've joined this book group to encourage myself. I have found that I can listen to books on my ipod at work (I have a desk job). I have been trying to listen to War and Peace, but I find that it's too complex for me to listen to and work at the same time. I finished Epic of Gilgamesh before that, which I found interesting but not one of my favorites.
Besides classics, I am also interested in science fiction, weird fiction, magical realism, and historical fiction.
I was an anthropology major, but haven't done much with my education; I now work in non profit development, but tried my hand at archaeology initially.
I found a copy of Swann's Way on Google books and will be reading that version (unless they have the Davis version at the library).
Thank you for creating this group!
Patrice wrote: "Hi Sara and welcome. I have a daughter Sarah who loves anime and plans to make a career of producing it.It sounds as though you have many wonderful interests and I'm glad you found us.
BTW, I ju..."
I have not seen the movie. I think that physically reading the book might be a better idea than listening. I am not really an audio learner and W&P drops many names, many, many names. :P After reading the book I will plan on watching the film as well.
Sara wrote: "Hello,My name is Sara and I live north of Baltimore in horse country. ..."
Welcome! Glad you found us in time for our reading of Swann's Way.
I lived for a few years not far from Batimore, and loved the countryside around there (though not so much the city of Baltimore itself.) Nice location, except for a few times in summer when the heat and humidity combine to make what back then was non-airconditioned life a bit miserable!
Hi Everyone,I'm Ella, currently in university, doing a second degree in economics. I joined this group ages ago but something always prevented me from joining a group read. I'm determined not to miss out this time, and really look forward to Swann's Way.
Ella wrote: "Hi Everyone,I'm Ella, currently in university, doing a second degree in economics. I joined this group ages ago but something always prevented me from joining a group read. I'm determined not to m..."
Glad you're finally getting a chance to read and discuss with us!
Hello, everyone. My name is Penelope, and I live in Waycross, Georgia with my husband. I've always been interested in reading classic literature, but the lack of a discussion partner has always deterred me. I'm twenty-five years old, and I still enjoy young adult books. However, I have been looking for a nice mature group where I can discuss books without worrying about the debate over which boy the main character should choose.
I'm generally a pretty shy person, but the internet gives me more courage to join in on discussions. I look forward to getting to know everyone :).
I'm generally a pretty shy person, but the internet gives me more courage to join in on discussions. I look forward to getting to know everyone :).
Penelope wrote: "Hello, everyone. My name is Penelope, and I live in Waycross, Georgia with my husband. I've always been interested in reading classic literature, but the lack of a discussion partner has always det..."Welcome, Penelope! This is definitely the place to come for serious discussion of classic books. And this is a good place for shy folks to show their more outgoing side in discussion; we're all very friendly and supportive, so dive in and have your say.
Thanks, Everyman. I got a copy of Swann's Way, and I plan to join in on the group discussions.
Penelope wrote: "Thanks, Everyman. I got a copy of Swann's Way, and I plan to join in on the group discussions."Excellent.
Hello. I'm Lacy and I have been a lurker on here for awhile! Just waiting for you nice people to read one of the classics that I have collected over the years. I buy most of my books at library sales and the goodwill. I find great books there. I want to read the ones that I have, so I have been patiently waiting! I joined while you were reading The Canterbury Tales, but I had just recently finished it. I look forward to joining you on a read one day soon. It will be nice to have someone to discuss these stories with.
Lacy wrote: "Hello. I'm Lacy and I have been a lurker on here for awhile! Just waiting for you nice people to read one of the classics that I have collected over the years. I buy most of my books at library sal..."Glad you unlurked, if only briefly; hope you stay unlurked. You can always borrow the books from the library, or most of them can be found online; Swann's Way, for example, is here:
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/7178/7...
Hi, I'm David, and I've been lurking here since the start of the Republic discussion, but since I'm now taking an active part in the Proust discussion I figured I'd come over here and introduce myself. I'm studying Philosophy at university and love all things to do with the classics. I grew up in France, and try to keep up my French by reading as much as possible: I'm reading Proust in French, and struck by the beauty of his language. (Though from the posts in the discussion, I gather that the language in the English translation is also beautiful)
Besides reading, my other great love is classical music: my favourite composers are Shostakovich and Beethoven
David wrote: "Hi, I'm David, and I've been lurking here since the start of the Republic discussion, but since I'm now taking an active part in the Proust discussion I figured I'd come over here and introduce mys..."Welcome to the group, David! Are you concentrating on any particular field in philosophy?
Thomas wrote: "Are you concentrating on any particular field in philosophy?"Not at the moment: my degree is fairly broad. This semester I'm studying philosophy of mind, philosophy of language, and a course on Descartes and Hume.
Eventually I'd like to specialise in ancient philosophy.
Hello people... My name is Lidiana, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from Brazil.
I love books, specially "classic" literature, and that's why after taking a degree in Journalism and other one In English/Portuguese, I decided to take my Masters in Literary Theory. That's why I loved when I discovered Goodreads, because it is a great place to discuss literature with people that have the same passion for it, as well as eing able to get to know other works.
Since I'm new in goodreads, I don't have many friends here yet. So feel free to add me so we can talk about literature and other things in general.
Hope to have great conversations here... already dying wainting for the next list of readings.
Lidiana wrote: "Hello people... My name is Lidiana, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from Brazil.
I love books, specially "classic" literature, and that's why after taking a degree in Journalism and other one In Engli..."
Hi Lidiana,
Welcome! What part of Brazil are you from? I have friends in Sao Paolo.
We just starting reading Proust's 'Swann's Way' last week. Join in if you can!
Jim
Hi Jim... I live in Porto Alegre, south of Brazil, not sure if yo have heard about it?I already separated Swann's way to start reading. Hope I can catch up with you...
Lidiana wrote: "Hello people... My name is Lidiana, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from Brazil."
Welcome! I'm pleased that you found our group here and are planning to read Proust with us. You're not behind yet; we're still on the first section of the book.
Thank you, Everyman...I'm going to finish Hemingway's For whom the bell tolls and will jump straight into Proust!
Everyman wrote: "Lidiana wrote: "Hello people...
My name is Lidiana, I'm 25 years old, and I'm from Brazil."
Welcome! I'm pleased that you found our group here and are planning to read Proust with us. You're n..."
Hello all! I guess I was enchanted by a combination of Everyman's vivid first post linking nature and reading as well as the overall greater urge to tackle the Western Canon before time catches up with me. I am similarly rooted in nature through the Redwood forests of California surrounded by books that keep piling up and changing their locations during the night. I am very much linked to the study of natural history and the sciences(as that is my profession) although I continuously venture into history, anthropology, art history, philosophy and, of course, the everlasting river of literature. It seems like you have had some great reads here over the last couple of years. I hope to be able to partake in the journey and look forward to reading your perspectives on the voices from the past. Thanks for creating this group with such a great emphasis!
Haaze wrote: "Hello all! I guess I was enchanted by a combination of Everyman's vivid first post linking nature and reading as well as the overall greater urge to tackle the Western Canon before time catches up ..."Welcome! Hope you find this place as delightful as a number of us do. Look forward to your insights.
Your own work and location sounds magnificent.
Thanks Lily! That was the quickest response I have ever seen!!!! Is that a hallmark of the group? : -)
Haaze wrote: "Hello all! I guess I was enchanted by a combination of Everyman's vivid first post linking nature and reading as well as the overall greater urge to tackle the Western Canon before time catches up ..."Welcome! You've certainly come to the right place to tackle the Western Canon -- that's all we do here.
I encourage you -- and all new members -- to jump in with your comments and thoughts. Don't be intimidated or feel that you need to lurk for awhile before joining in the discussion -- we're a friendly bunch and while people may not (correction, almost certainly will not!) always agree with you, they will always disagree politely and respectfully. So no need to be timid -- as they say, come on in, the water's fine!
Haaze wrote: "Thanks Lily! That was the quickest response I have ever seen!!!! Is that a hallmark of the group? : -)"Haaze -- just depends on who is on and what we happen to read. Not sure why I read "Introductions" last night and responded -- I don't always. Maybe because the book discussion was fairly quiet.
Anyway, again, welcome!
Hello! This is my very first post on Goodreads, ever. I am not entirely sure how this all works, yet.I'm an American living in Western Scotland, married with three young children. I try to find the time to read, and I try to make that time count by reading really good books. I'd given up on contemporary literary fiction, and started reading either genre fiction or some Victorians like Trollope. Then, I joined an online book club and have found myself reading - and finishing - some great books that I wouldn't have been able to read on my own. That book club is moderated with an iron fist by the comedian Norm Macdonald, who has extremely high standards for what constitutes quality literature and the discussions are fun. But, he's also mad as a hatter and the discussions just aren't enough to satisfy my newly-awakened hunger to read and discuss all the books I've been reading, so I've gone looking for other people to talk to about books.
That's pretty much it. Off to poke around, now.
Katy wrote: "Hello! This is my very first post on Goodreads, ever. I am not entirely sure how this all works, yet.
I'm an American living in Western Scotland, married with three young children. I try to find t..."
Welcome Katy in Western Scotland. I think on Goodreads you can read over people's shoulders or you can jump in and comment and compare and contrast your line of thinking with someone else's. More fun to jump in. Plus, then the rest of us get to see the piece through fresh eyes.
I think The Iliad s going to be a great discussion...so if you've access to a copy, we'd love for you to join us.
I'm an American living in Western Scotland, married with three young children. I try to find t..."
Welcome Katy in Western Scotland. I think on Goodreads you can read over people's shoulders or you can jump in and comment and compare and contrast your line of thinking with someone else's. More fun to jump in. Plus, then the rest of us get to see the piece through fresh eyes.
I think The Iliad s going to be a great discussion...so if you've access to a copy, we'd love for you to join us.
Classics and the Western Canon
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We visited Venice a..."
For these same reasons, Dante is the nightmare of all the Italian students!
I'm glad you've enjoyed Venice!
American tourists don't really ruin it, in fact they are kind and friendly (and they help us Venetians to improve our English!)