Classics Audiobook By Mary Beard, John Henderson cover art

Classics

A Very Short Introduction

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Classics

By: Mary Beard, John Henderson
Narrated by: Julia Whelan
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We are all classicists - we come into touch with the classics on a daily basis: in our culture, politics, medicine, architecture, language, and literature. What are the true roots of these influences, however, and how do our interpretations of these aspects of the classics differ from their original reality?

This introduction to the classics begins with a visit to the British Museum to view the frieze which once decorated the Apollo Temple a Bassae. Through these sculptures, John Henderson and Mary Beard prompt us to consider the significance of the study of Classics as a means of discovery and enquiry, its value in terms of literature, philosophy, and culture, its source of imagery, and the reasons for the continuation of these images into and beyond the 20th century.

Designed for the general listener and student alike, A Very Short Introduction to Classics challenges listeners to adopt a fresh approach to the Classics as a major cultural influence, both in the ancient world and 20th-century - emphasizing the continuing need to understand and investigate this enduring subject.

©1995 Mary Beard and John Henderson (P)2021 Tantor Ancient, Classical & Medieval Literature Collections Literary History & Criticism Ancient History
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“The aim of Classics is not only to discover or uncover the ancient world. Its aim is also to define and debate our relationship to that world."
- Mary Beard, Classics

Using the British Museum's Bassae room and the Temple of Bassae as a framework, Mary Beard introduces us to the Classics. There are points when her Bassae-frame almost doesn't hold her subject, but her metaphor/frame largely holds together. It acts like a map, allowing Beard and Henderson an opportunity to walk around and examine the classics from several perspectives. Readers of the Classics become tourists and Beard and Henderson become our tour guides. Like all VSI, I'm always left feeling a bit snubbed and short shrifted. My whistle is barely wetted and I'm asked to leave room and exit the museum.

Beard guides the reader through the Classics

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Great performance. I found the actual introduction a little lacking but for free with the Audible subscription it was a great listen.

Great Voice Performance

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