[B-Greek] studying Homeric Greek
Steven Lo Vullo
slovullo at mac.com
Sat Aug 14 14:17:33 EDT 2004
On Aug 14, 2004, at 12:42 PM, R Yochanan Bitan Buth wrote:
> RB: You will want a text, of which their are many, and a commentary for
> Occasional reference. I say 'occasional' because I recommend
> reading
> For exposure rather than chasing an obscurity, of which there are a
> Never-ending well.
I forgot to mention that I also have the two volumes of the Iliad and
the two of the Odyssey from the Loeb series with translation and notes
by Murray, so I'm all set there. I also have translations by Fagles,
Fitzgerald, and Rouse, which have varying degrees of commentary. Can
you recommend a good commentary that is in print?
> RB: Homer was part of the training of Greek literacy throughout Greek
> And European history.
Yes, it is pointed out that the idea of starting with Homer is not new:
"This was the regular method employed by the old Romans in teaching
their boys Greek, and it was highly commended by that capable and
judicious schoolmaster, Quintilian, as the best possible plan. Since
that time it has been used now and then by some of the world's ablest
educators and scholars." He then goes on to list many throughout
history who have used this plan with good success.
> Pfarr has a good pedigree there. Personally,
> I would recommend specializing in the language and dialect of
> Interest. Homer can be read in parallel. Thus, if NT is a focus I
> Would recommend Josephus, Epictetus and Plutarch, plus papyri, as
> More fruitful than Homer. Homer is unsurpassed, though, in
> providing
> An entertaining experience in the history of the Greek language.
I agree. But at the same time I want to be able to read more widely,
primarily for enjoyment, but also to acquire a better understanding of
the development of the Greek language and variety of Greek literature.
Thanks very much for your input, Randall.
============
Steven Lo Vullo
Madison, WI
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