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The Canterbury Tales, Gilgamesh, Beowulf, The Odyssey and more - these stories from long ago have influenced authors through the ages. Read some of the contemporary works that draw from the classics
The Wife of Bath Tale
In The Wife of Bath: a biography by Marion Turner, Turner brings this fictional character to life as she discusses the role of women in the 14th century and how this character was representative of women of her time. The Wife has gone on to influence many writers since Chaucer in a variety of ways. You may be inspired, as I was, to read The Wife of Willesden by Zadie Smith, her first play. Then you may be inspired to read or reread the original.
Beowulf
Beowulf has inspired many versions of itself (translations of many kinds, graphic novels), plus at least two novels telling the story from a different character's point of view. Refresh your memory of the story by reading a translation or two. Recommended: Beowulf: a new verse translation by Seamus Heaney or Maria Dahvana Headley's very updated Beowulf: a new translation. Then read Headley's The Mere Wife, which tells the story from Grendel's mother's point of view, and Grendel by John Gardner, the story told from Grendel's perspective.
The Epic of Gilgamesh
The story of the Sumerian hero Gilgamesh has been translated in various ways and has inspired a new series. Gilgamesh: A Verse Narrative translated by Herbert Mason is a beautiful and powerful translation of the epic tale of friendship and loss. We also own other versions in various formats. Then read Emily H. Wilson's novel Innana, Innana - the first book in a planned trilogy that tells the story of Innana, a goddess who wasn't supposed to exist, her cousin Gilgamesh, and Ninshubar, who becomes Innana's protector.
The Odyssey
Homer's Odyssey is the tale of Odysseus and his travels. Reread it in Emily O. Wilson's translation or one of the many other translations in the collection. After that, you're ready to read some of the many books inspired by the original. Try The Lost Books of the Odyssey by Zachary Mason, a retelling in contemporary form. Another retelling is An Orchestra of Minorities by Chigozie Obioma, the story of Chinonso, and his migration from Ghana to Cyprus and his return to the woman he loves. Or you could read a retelling from the women's point of view in Natalie Haynes's A Thousand Ships.
Carol A.
Carol A. is a Library Associate at the Cleveland Park Neighborhood Library. She’s working to branching out to different genres, but spends a lot of time in the mystery section and perusing the cookbooks aisle. When not at work, she cooks, reads, listens to podcasts on a variety of subjects, and takes long walks – often in combination.