Reading plan phase I

The focus in this phase will be on Greek tragedy and Platonic philosophy. The great books readings will focus exclusively on the Greeks, continuing from my readings of Homer and Plato in late 2007. In literature, I will read Gaarder’s novel on the history of philosophy and Castaneda’s notorious account of his experience with hallucinogenics. In non-fiction, I will look at Manguel’s 2007 Massey Lecture, Sister Wendy Beckett’s history of painting, and begin the Durant’s Story of Civilization series by reading their overview on history. In poetry, will read a selection of legendary Canadian poet Al Purdy’s works

Great books stream: 

     Plato – The Republic
     Plato – The Crito
     Aeschylus – Persians
     Aeschylus – Suppliant Maidens
     Aeschylus – Seven Against Thebes
     Aeschylus – Agamemnon
     Aeschylus – The Libation Bearers
     Aeschylus – The Eumenides
     Euripides – Electra
     Sophocles – Electra

Fiction stream: 

     Jostein Gaarder – Sophie’s World
     Carlos Castenada – The Teachings of Don Juan

Non-fiction stream: 

     Alberto Manguel – The City of Words
     Sister Wendy Beckett – A History of Painting

Poetry stream:

     Al Purdy – Rooms for Rent in the Outer Planets

Ideas stream:

     Will and Ariel Durant – The Lessons of History