T. E. Lawrence, The Odyssey of Homer

Chris Joyce (University of Cambridge)
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Towards the end of 1927, with

Seven Pillars of Wisdom

and

The Mint

behind him, Lawrence was approached by Bruce Rogers, an American book designer, to undertake a translation of Homer’s

Odyssey

. At first, he demurred – “Something about this

Odyssey

effort frightens me. … Homer is very very great: and so far away” [letter, 16 April 1928]; but he was at the same time – characteristically – attracted by the proposition, and offered a sample chapter (and to discuss fees). He was soon working steadily on the project. In his prefatory “Translator’s Note”, he offers a less exalted view of his subject than previously: “The author misses his every chance of greatness, as must all his faithful translators” – this perhaps by way of justifying his approach. It provides the…

532 words

Citation: Joyce, Chris. "The Odyssey of Homer". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 22 September 2008 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=24738, accessed 19 March 2024.]

24738 The Odyssey of Homer 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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