Reviewing ‘Talking Classics’ by Mary Beard

Wine comes in at the mouthAnd love comes in at the eye;

These lines from Yeats’ poem, “A Drinking Song,” capture the spirit of Mary Beard’s new book, Talking Classics. Beard, a respected classics scholar, shares a personal journey through the ancient world, inspired by her childhood visit to The British Museum in 1960. During this visit, her encounter with a 4,000-year-old piece of bread sparked her lifelong fascination with history.

The British Museum experience became a pivotal moment for young Mary when a curator held the ancient bread before her eyes, igniting a sense of wonder. Beard defines such an experience using the Greek term, thauma, meaning “wonder” or “wonderment”. This feeling has guided Beard throughout her life, unlocking the mysteries of the past for others.

Talking Classics centers around the lectures Beard delivered at the University of Chicago in 2023. Known for her engaging style, Beard disrupts the traditional view of classical studies. She criticizes those who revere the ancient world, branding it unnecessarily holy, and argues against using classical architecture to imply authority in modern settings.

Beard addresses whether classical art and architecture are irreparably stained by associations with dictators like Mussolini and today’s far-right groups. She emphasizes the revolutionary ideas embedded in classics, highlighting figures like Karl Marx and Nelson Mandela as those who drew inspiration from ancient texts.

Beard’s work revolves around one crucial question: “What was it like to be there?” This inquiry fuels many contemporary reinterpretations of the ancient world, including works by authors like Madeline Miller and filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan.

Beard advises readers that the classical world is alien and sometimes perplexing. The concept of self-identity differs vastly from modern understanding. Most ancient people couldn’t see their reflections clearly, leading to many jokes about mistaken identity.

Studying classics, according to Beard, holds immense value. It enhances the ability to decipher complex information. In today’s world filled with misinformation and fake news, this skill is increasingly vital. Talking Classics offers substantial insights, much like that ancient piece of bread captured Beard’s curiosity.