> Skip to content

Article  •  19 November 2018

 

The first Penguin Classic

The 1946 origin story of one of the world’s best-loved literary series.

In the words of English playwright, author and actor, a classic is ‘a book that everyone is assumed to have read and often thinks they have’. So, how many have you read?

Penguin Classics amass the largest library of classic literature in the world today, and more titles join the list every year. In the early days, the editors were concerned they would run out: ‘How many more titles in the classical literature of the world are there?’ asked Penguin editor-in-chief William Emrys Williams apprehensively, after 60 Penguin Classics had been published. He needn’t have worried. As times have changed, so too has this extraordinary list. Even the very definition of ‘classic’ continues to evolve and expand to embrace new languages, formats, styles and audiences. The Penguin Classics Book celebrates the literary merit, historical significance and an enduring reputation of every book on the list. Here is the story of the unlikely translation that started it all.

On chilly nights, amidst the wail of air raid sirens and the whine of doodlebugs, a man stood on the roof of Birkbeck College in central London, scanning the skyline for fires. Emile Victor Rieu passed the time on these long, lonely shifts translating and re-translating Homer’s Odyssey: ‘I went back to Homer,’ he recalled, ‘the supreme realist… by way of escape from the unrealities that surrounded us.’

Towards the end of the Second World War, with his wife’s encouragement, Rieu submitted his translation to Allen Lane, the founder of Penguin Books. It was not a promising proposal on the face of it: eight versions of the Odyssey had been published between the wars, including five new translations, of which only two had sold more than 3,000 copies. Moreover, Rieu was not an established academic. He was a retired publisher of educational textbooks; his one previous publication was a 1932 collection of whimsical children’s verse called Cuckoo Calling. In a characteristically impulsive and ultimately shrewd move, however, Lane not only accepted Rieu’s translation of the Odyssey, he appointed him general editor of a new Penguin series, a ‘Translation Series from the Greek, Roman and other classics’.

‘Something important has happened,’ reported Reynolds’ News in January 1946. ‘There is a new translation of The Odyssey, a very contemporary translation, and it costs only one shilling. This is revolutionary.’ Rieu’s Odyssey sold over three million copies. In fact, it was the bestselling of all Penguin books until it was finally overtaken by Lady Chatterley’s Lover in 1960. ‘The King is already familiar with your admirable translation of The Odyssey,’ read a treasured note from Buckingham Palace, ‘and looks forward to reading The Iliad.’

Feature Title

The Penguin Classics Book
A complete and wondrous guide to all of the Penguin Classics, from the Creative Editor of the series
Read more

More features

See all
Article
‘When the facts conflict with the legend’ – how does a biographer balance storytelling with the truth?

Matthew Lamb sheds light on the process of writing a biography about Frank Moorhouse, the contradictions in his research and his personal friendship with the author.

Article
QUIZ: Which Ranger’s Apprentice book should you ask for this Christmas?

Take this quiz to find out which Ranger’s Apprentice book you should put on your wish list.

Article
Penguin Fantasy Fest was a magical night for fantasy fans and authors

The inaugural Penguin Fantasy Fest was a wonderful evening for all. Learn about the author panel, see photos of the event and find out how to be notified of future events.

Article
Matthew McConaughey shares his parenting tips and new book with Australian fans

Matthew McConaughey made an appearance on the Today Show Australia and Nova to talk about his picture book, Just Because.

Article
7 books recommended by Dolly Alderton

Check out book recommendations from author Dolly Alderton.

Article
'Cricket' is officially the most-loved Bluey episode

In honour of five years of Bluey, fans voted on their favourite Bluey episode.

Article
Look inside Here Comes a Merry Christmas

A gorgeous holiday picture book based on the much-loved song by children’s entertainer, Justine Clarke.

Article
Why submit to the Penguin Literary Prize? A previous winner's perspective

‘You owe it to the writer you are to put your work out there.’

Article
Debut authors share their best tips for aspiring authors

The Fresh Voices of 2023 share their advice with fellow writers. Whether you’re aspiring to get your book published or looking for writing tips, these words of wisdom will help.

Article
PRH and UBD volunteers planted 1,600 trees for the Penguin Foundation

Volunteers from PRH and UBD participated in a day of tree-planting to help future-proof the Summerland Peninsula from the increasing threat of fire.

Article
Look inside Peggy and Molly

Sneak a peek at the adorable book Peggy and Molly, which chronicles the very special friendship between a staffy and a magpie.

Article
Matt Preston reveals his favourite childhood foods

In his new book, Big Mouth, Matt Preston shares some of his favourite foods.

Looking for more articles?

See all articles