Sing to me of the man, Muse, the man of twists and turns
driven time and again off course, once he had plundered
the hallowed heights of Troy

These opening lines of The Odyssey might not be immediately recognisable to most, yet almost everyone is familiar with the story that followed. Probably the better known of Homer's works this epic poem, along with its prequel The Iliad and a few other select texts, have formed the basis of Western literature and culture. 

But is there any relevance left in these centuries old texts? As important as the Classics are, is there any point in still reading them?

Join Susan Cahill as she talks with Professor Shane Butler about his new book, Deep Classics, and why people should keep coming back and reading these incredibly important texts.

This week's music is performed by Dustin O'Halloran, Max Richter, and Minor Victories.