Homer: The Very Idea

The story of our fascination with Homer, the man and the myth, is explored in James I. Porter's book "Homer: The Very Idea." It examines the sources of Homer's mystique and their impact since the first recorded mentions of him in ancient Greece, considering him not as a man but as a cultural invention. The book offers novel readings of texts and objects and follows the idea of Homer from his earliest mentions to his most recent imaginings in literature, criticism, philosophy, visual art, and classical archaeology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The story of our enduring fascination with Homer, the man, and the myth, is a captivating journey that spans centuries. Homer, the revered poet of the Iliad and the Odyssey, is revered as a cultural icon of antiquity and a figure of lasting influence. However, his identity remains shrouded in questions about who he truly was, when he lived, and whether he was an actual person, a myth, or merely a shared idea. In his book, "Homer: The Very Idea," James I. Porter takes a different approach. Instead of attempting to solve the mystery of this character, he delves into the sources of Homer's mystique and their profound impact since the first recorded mentions of Homer in ancient Greece.

"Homer: The Very Idea" explores Homer not as a man but as a cultural invention, on par with the poems attributed to him. The book follows the cultural history of an idea and the obsession that is reborn every time Homer is imagined. Porter offers novel readings of texts and objects, tracing the very idea of Homer from his earliest mentions to his most recent imaginings in literature, criticism, philosophy, visual art, and classical archaeology.

Throughout the book, Porter examines the ways in which Homer has been interpreted and reimagined by different cultures and generations. He explores the ways in which Homer's poetry has been used to shape political ideologies, cultural identities, and personal beliefs. Porter also examines the ways in which Homer's myth has been used to justify violence, oppression, and inequality.

One of the key themes of "Homer: The Very Idea" is the power of storytelling to shape our understanding of the world. Porter argues that Homer's poetry and myth have been used to create a shared cultural narrative that has shaped our understanding of history, identity, and morality. He also argues that the obsession with Homer is a reflection of our deep-seated desire for meaning and connection.

In conclusion, "Homer: The Very Idea" is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a fresh perspective on the enduring fascination with Homer, the man, and the myth. Porter's exploration of the sources of Homer's mystique and their impact is a valuable contribution to the field of classical studies. The book challenges our assumptions about the past and encourages us to think critically about the ways in which our cultural narratives shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 412g
Dimension: 228 x 152 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226675909