The epic poem serves as a profound work of psychology and a masterpiece for understanding the human heart, human tragedy, and friendship.
Readers interested in engaging with foundational works of civilization, culture, and classic literature through a dedicated book club format.
Skip if you prefer not to read a cinematic epic poem that demands deep engagement with human tragedy.
Summarized from what was said in 4 conversations; the quotes are below.
A speaker recommends a book written by someone else.
“This is the second installment of the EconTalk Book Club on the Iliad by Homer.”
Why: It is part of civilization and culture, offering deep insights into life, human tragedy, and friendship.
Russ Roberts, Host on EconTalkDwayne Betts on the Iliad 7/20/26
“This episode is the first episode of the EconTalk Book Club on the Iliad. I encourage you to read the book. We'll be reading the Fagels translation, but there are many to choose from.”
Why: It is a stunning, incredibly cinematic book that serves as a work of psychology and a masterpiece of understanding the human heart.
Russ Roberts, Host on EconTalkEconTalk Book Club on the Iliad (with Ido Hevroni) 7/6/26
Named without an opinion attached.
“Today is May 28th, 2026, and I want to remind listeners before introducing today's guest that we're doing an EconTalk book club around the Iliad by Homer.”
Why: Part of an ongoing book club for listeners to engage with together.
Russ Roberts, Host on EconTalkSawdust to Paw Patrol: The Spin Master Story (with Ronnen Harary) 7/13/26
“Today is May 20th, 2026, and before introducing today's guest, I want to let listeners know we'll be doing an EconTalk book club around the Iliad by Homer. The first episode of that…”
Russ Roberts, Host on EconTalkDo Less, Heal More: The Case for Medical Conservatism (with John Mandrola)
Other books cited in the same episodes.
Achilles in Vietnam
Jonathan Shay
Discussed together in: EconTalk Book Club on the Iliad (with Ido Hevroni) 7/6/26 (EconTalk)
Errata
George Steiner
Discussed together in: Dwayne Betts on the Iliad 7/20/26 (EconTalk)
If This Is a Man
Primo Levi
Discussed together in: Dwayne Betts on the Iliad 7/20/26 (EconTalk)
The Things They Carried
Tim O'Brien
Discussed together in: Dwayne Betts on the Iliad 7/20/26 (EconTalk)
How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life
Russ Roberts
Discussed together in: Dwayne Betts on the Iliad 7/20/26 (EconTalk)
The Vision of the Anointed
Thomas Sowell
Discussed together in: Do Less, Heal More: The Case for Medical Conservatism (with John Mandrola) (EconTalk)
No Experience Necessary
Ronnen Harary
Discussed together in: Sawdust to Paw Patrol: The Spin Master Story (with Ronnen Harary) 7/13/26 (EconTalk)
The Odyssey
Homer
Discussed together in: EconTalk Book Club on the Iliad (with Ido Hevroni) 7/6/26 (EconTalk)