A Story of the Golden Age

by James Baldwin

Overview

My object in writing this "Story of the Golden Age" has been to pave the way, if I dare say it, to an enjoyable reading of Homer, either in translations or in the original. I have taken the various legends relating to the causes of the Trojan war, and, by assuming certain privileges never yet denied to story-tellers, have woven all into one continuous narrative, ending where Homer's story begins. The hero of the Odyssey--a character not always to be admired or commended--is my hero. And, in telling the story of his boyhood and youth, I have taken the opportunity to repeat, for your enjoyment, some of the most beautiful of the old Greek myths. If I have, now and then, given them a coloring slightly different from the original, you will remember that such is the right of the story-teller, the poet, and the artist. The essential features of the stories remain unchanged. I have, all along, drawn freely from the old tragedians, and now and then from Homer himself; nor have I thought it necessary in every instance to mention authorities, or to apologize for an occasional close imitation of some of the best translations. The pictures of old Greek life have, in the main, been derived from the Iliad and the Odyssey, and will, I hope, help you to a better understanding of those poems when you come to make acquaintance directly with them.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9788826039305
Publisher:	PubMe
Publication date:	03/16/2017
Sold by:	StreetLib SRL
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

James Baldwin (1924–1987) was a celebrated African–American author of novels, essays, poetry and plays. His emotionally powerful and highly reflective books made Baldwin a prominent voice in the civil rights movement where he was well–known for giving impactful and eloquent speeches. Baldwin spent much of his writing career abroad, which allowed him to gather perspective on racial, sexual and social tensions inherent in American society. His most famous works include the semi–autobiographical novel Go Tell It on the Mountain and his book of essays Notes of a Native Son. Baldwin's other popular books include The Fire Next Time, Another Country and Giovanni's Room. His thought–provoking quote, "Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced" first appeared in his essay for The New York Times.

Date of Birth:

August 2, 1924

Date of Death:

December 1, 1987

Place of Birth:

New York, New York

Place of Death:

St. Paul de Vence, France

Education:

DeWitt Clinton High School, New York City