Emily Wilson, a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is undertaking a complete new translation of Homer’s *The Odyssey*, nearly a decade after the release of her widely acclaimed 2017 version. Wilson, who gained distinction as the first woman to produce a major English-language translation of the ancient Greek epic, described the upcoming edition as a fresh retranslation rather than a revision of her previous work.
Speaking from Philadelphia, Wilson said she is about halfway through the new manuscript, which will be longer and aim to better capture the diverse social realities present in Homer’s original text. She noted that her earlier translation had certain flaws, such as an overuse of the word “slave” to describe different categories of enslaved individuals in ancient Greece—a nuance now more carefully addressed in this edition.
Wilson’s decision to produce a second full-length translation so soon after the first is uncommon in the field, where translators typically offer corrections or minor edits rather than entirely new versions. Kate Deimling of the American Translators Association called such a retranslation “not unheard of” but said it is rarely done within a decade of a previously successful edition. Wilson acknowledged that publishing two recent versions by the same translator might pose challenges for educators and expressed hope that readers will be understanding.
Her editor at Liveright Publishing, Peter Simon, highlighted Wilson’s deep scholarly commitment to *The Odyssey* and expressed enthusiasm for the new translation’s potential impact.
Wilson’s original 2017 translation received widespread praise for making the epic accessible and modern in tone but also generated online debate over alleged ideological readings. With over a million copies sold, it gained renewed attention following director Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of the epic, which cited Wilson’s opening line, “Tell me about a complicated man,” as an inspiration. Wilson has publicly criticized Nolan’s film, describing it as grandiose and occasionally incoherent, sparking responses from various cultural commentators and the filmmaker himself, who has dismissed some critiques as lacking cinematic expertise.
In tandem with her new translation, Wilson is releasing *Crossing The Wine-Dark Sea*, a collection of essays that examine translation challenges, classical literature’s reception, and cultural parallels between antiquity and the present. The book includes critical reflections on prominent contemporary translators like Robert Fagles and Daniel Mendelsohn, and discusses how historical figures and texts have been misunderstood or misrepresented over time.
Wilson also addresses broader themes such as the reinterpretation of ancient texts through contemporary lenses, the enduring relevance of Stoic philosophy, and the influence of classical literature on modern culture. She expresses skepticism about finding security in philosophy, citing her own experience of public scrutiny and the inevitability of being misunderstood.
Additionally, Wilson critiques popular cultural works like Rick Riordan’s *Percy Jackson* series, questioning their ideological underpinnings and portrayal of Western civilization. She also draws unexpected connections between ancient comic poetry and contemporary expressions in hip hop, illustrating how classical themes continue to resonate in modern forms.
Wilson’s ongoing engagement with Homer and classical antiquity reflects a commitment to both scholarly rigor and accessible storytelling, underscoring the evolving dialogue between ancient texts and today’s cultural landscape.