Over the past few weeks, a number of you have become new subscribers to my substack. Hello, and welcome! Thank you for doing so. I hope you enjoy the posts and subscriber discussion — please check out the archive at your leisure, and feel free to comment (politely of course) if the mood strikes you. I’m an infrequent poster but try to write a new piece each month. All the posts are free, and I don’t see that changing unless I start writing a lot more.
Three items for your IMMEDIATE attention: (1) an old post you should read; (2) coming attractions; and (3) a music break!
Old Post You Should Read
If you haven’t already, one post you should check out is my review of Njal’s Saga. Njal’s Saga is an early medieval epic that describes the settlement of Iceland by the Norsemen. It is a fascinating, for both its portrayal of a wide range of characters — many of whom are historical; some Icelanders today can even trace their ancestry to them — and the creation of a new society and legal system in a new world.
Coming Attractions
I’m working on a review of Lucan’s Civil War (also sometimes referred to as The Pharsalia, after the conclusive battle in that war). It is a silver age Latin epic that depicts the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. While it’s (rightly) viewed as a B-list Latin work — its nowhere near as good as the Aeneid or Metamorphoses — Civil War has lots of merits, especially its characterization of Caesar. I’m hoping to post this at the end of next week.
MUSIC BRAKE
I love all kinds of music and will occasionally post music videos of things I’ve been listening to recently. Lately, these have included:
Scorpions — Big City Nights
Mtume — Juicy Fruit
ZZ Top — Gimme All Your Lovin’
Thank you again for subscribing to my substack. Hope this ENHANCED your enjoyment of Tuesday and that you have a good week!