Beyond Homer: Our Common Fate

It is 1970, the year of Marc Chagall’s famous art exhibit in Paris. Clayton Rogers Clarke, a Virginian, has chosen the city as his place of residence while pursuing research during his first sabbatical. His philosophical interests, however, suffer sudden distraction from an unanticipated competitor: Monique Gibert, a writer for a French daily, for which her husband (Jacques-Maria) is the senior journalist. Flirtatious quips and nods soon lead to a passionate affair. While dividing his time between Monique and his studies, Clayton meets a fellow PhD, also on sabbatical. Professor Carl Sullivan’s field is the Classics, and it is his conviction that humankind has scarcely progressed beyond Homer. Clayton is determined to prove him wrong. Scores of delightful characters in Clarke’s pension add intrigue and verve to the story. Wander with Clayton and Monique as they make their way into each other’s hearts, while traversing the city’s cafés and parks that Paris alone affords lovers. And ponder with the young philosopher the age-old question of the human condition. Students of the Classics, of the Humanities and French literature, as well as philosophy, will find the author’s synopses of Rousseau and Pascal, and of Homer’s gods and heroes, of immense help, along with his translations of Goethe, Rilke, and Baudelaire’s poems.

Benjamin W. Farley is Younts Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion, Erskine College, Due West, South Carolina. He is best known for his translations of Calvin's French treatises and sermons. In addition to his scholarly works, Farley is the author of five books of fiction: Quilly Hall, Of Time and Eternity, Corbin's Rubi-Yacht, Mercy Road, and The Hero of St. Lo. He currently resides in Columbia, South Carolina.