Feminist 'Odyssey' Translation Sparks Debate and Sales Surge
WHO:
Fast Company - Emily Wilson, a professor of classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania, is the translator of the modern-day version of "The Odyssey."
NPR - Casey Crowhurst, a high school English teacher with 16 years of experience, teaches at Monticello High School in eastern Illinois.
WHAT:
Fast Company - Wilson's translation uses contemporary language such as "dad" and "daddy" instead of "father," and includes terms like "crazy" and "tote bag."
Fast Company - Wilson stated, “Contemporary translators and commentators often present the massacre of these women [12 unnamed enslaved maidservants who worked in Odysseus's palace] as if it were quite ordinary, and entirely justified.”
Fast Company - Wilson commented, “That’s part of why it’s been interesting to so many people for so long. In the end, if a new movie gets people curious about the ancient world, it’s a win.”
Fast Company - Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of "The Odyssey" opened with a box office gross of $124 million in the U.S. and $260 million globally during its opening weekend.
Fast Company - Sales of translations of "The Odyssey" are up 76% year-to-date, according to Circana BookScan.
Fast Company - Library checkouts of Wilson's translation are up 217% from the previous year, as reported by Libby.
Fast Company - Wilson's translation of "The Odyssey" has sold more than 1 million copies since its publication in November.
NPR - Teachers are using clips from various adaptations of "The Odyssey" to engage students, including a 1997 Hallmark miniseries.
WHERE:
Fast Company - The film adaptation of "The Odyssey" is being discussed in the context of its impact on book sales and translations in the U.S.
NPR - Monticello High School is located in eastern Illinois, and South Lakes High School is in Reston, Virginia.
WHEN:
Fast Company - The film adaptation of "The Odyssey" opened on July 17.
Fast Company - Wilson's translation of "The Odyssey" was published in November.
WHY:
Fast Company - The modern language in Wilson's translation aims to make the text more accessible to a larger audience, though it has sparked debate about whether it simplifies the story.
NPR - Teachers are incorporating the new film adaptation to make the ancient text more engaging for students.
HOW:
NPR - Casey Crowhurst expressed gratitude to Christopher Nolan on TikTok, stating, "I just saw the Odyssey and I want to say on behalf of all English teachers: Thank you, Christopher Nolan. Thank you."
Fast Company - Wilson's translation uses contemporary language and a feminist lens to reinterpret the story of "The Odyssey."
NPR - Teachers are using visual adaptations and media to help students learn and engage with the text.
(UPDATED July 24, 2026 16:25 UTC)
In a recent interview, Wilson discussed his contemporary translation of the "Odyssey," which replaces traditional terms like "father" with more relatable language such as "dad" and "daddy," while also incorporating modern phrases like "crazy" and "tote bag." He highlighted how contemporary translators often portray the massacre of enslaved maidservants in Odysseus's palace as ordinary and justified, emphasizing the need for a more nuanced understanding. Meanwhile, Casey Crowhurst took to TikTok to express gratitude to Christopher Nolan for his adaptation, saying, "I just saw the Odyssey and I want to say on behalf of all English teachers: Thank you, Christopher Nolan. Thank you."
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(UPDATED July 24, 2026 15:28 UTC)
Christopher Nolan's film adaptation of "The Odyssey" opened to impressive numbers, grossing $124 million in the U.S. and $260 million globally during its debut weekend. Meanwhile, Emily Wilson's modern translation of the epic has seen a remarkable surge in popularity, with sales up 76% year-to-date and library checkouts skyrocketing by 217% compared to last year, totaling over 1 million copies sold since its release in November. Educators, including Casey Crowhurst from Monticello High School in eastern Illinois, are leveraging clips from various adaptations, including the new film, to engage students with this timeless story.