Reading the Classics
6 March 2024 - Academic
As it is World Book Day, reflecting upon books that can inspire us in different subject areas becomes particularly appropriate. In 2019, the blog Five Books interviewed me about recommendations for the best Classics books for teenagers. Since then, many more fictional retelling of myths have become particularly popular, but I still think this list has some merit.
I firstly recommended The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker, a chilling account of the Trojan War from the perspective of previously ‘silent’ women. Mary Beard’s SPQR was next on my list. Possibly the most famous Classicist of this era, Beard writes in such an engaging way about Roman history, making illuminating comparisons with current affairs. Tom Holland (the podcasting historian, not Spider-Man!) also brings the early Roman Emperors to life with his book Dynasty. It can be difficult to separate fact from fiction with regard to these fascinating figures, but Holland does so with tremendous flair. Robert Harris’ novel Imperium, first in a trilogy through the eyes of Cicero’s slave, Tiro, remains an undoubted page-turner. Cicero’s rise up the greasy pole of Roman politics has never been related more thrillingly. Finally I recommended Bettany Hughes’ The Hemlock Cup, a fabulous recreation of Socrates’ Athens. It can be difficult to fully understand the lives of classical Athenians, but Hughes’ work is a great place to start.
It goes without saying that there are many more books which explore many different strands of Classics, but hopefully this list provides a good starting point!
Read more about Classics at Wycombe Abbey
Mr Olly Murphy
Teacher of Classics
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