"Among the Ancients II" is a literary deep-dive podcast from the London Review of Books' Close Readings series, hosted by acclaimed classicist Emily Wilson and LRB editor Thomas Jones. This season examines twelve pivotal works of Greek and Roman literature loosely unified by themes of truth and deception, ranging from Aesop's Fables to Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, and including Apuleius's bawdy "Golden Ass" and Juvenal's scathing Satires. Each episode combines rigorous textual analysis with accessible, conversational insight, exploring translation choices, historical context, and the enduring relevance of ancient ideas to modern life. The tone balances scholarly depth with wit and curiosity, making dense classical texts approachable without sacrificing nuance. Supplementary reading recommendations from the LRB archive enrich each discussion. Ideal for lovers of classical literature, history enthusiasts, students of philosophy, and anyone intrigued by how ancient voices continue to illuminate questions of morality, power, and human nature. A must-listen for fans of erudite, long-form literary criticism and classical studies."
"Among the Ancients II" is a literary deep-dive podcast from the London Review of Books' Close Readings series, hosted by acclaimed classicist Emily Wilson and LRB editor Thomas Jones. This season examines twelve pivotal works of Greek and Roman literature loosely unified by themes of truth and deception, ranging from Aesop's Fables to Marcus Aurelius's Meditations, and including Apuleius's bawdy "Golden Ass" and Juvenal's scathing Satires. Each episode combines rigorous textual analysis with accessible, conversational insight, exploring translation choices, historical context, and the enduring relevance of ancient ideas to modern life. The tone balances scholarly depth with wit and curiosity, making dense classical texts approachable without sacrificing nuance. Supplementary reading recommendations from the LRB archive enrich each discussion. Ideal for lovers of classical literature, history enthusiasts, students of philosophy, and anyone intrigued by how ancient voices continue to illuminate questions of morality, power, and human nature. A must-listen for fans of erudite, long-form literary criticism and classical studies."