Odyssey cast shown oldest book copy of Homer's epic
The cast of Christopher Nolan's upcoming film adaptation of Homer's 'Odyssey' viewed a 1,700-year-old manuscript of the epic poem at the John Rylands Library. The event was described as a high-security operation, highlighting the cultural significance of the artifact.
Why it matters
The intersection of modern cinema and ancient literature underscores the enduring cultural impact of classical texts.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Ewan Gawne North West UoM The Manchester Odyssey was acquired in Egypt by Lord Balcarres in 1900 The task of taking parts of the oldest book copy of The Odyssey to the US for the stars of Christopher Nolan's cinematic retelling of the epic to view was "like being on the set of Mission Impossible", the librarian who took it has said.
Part of a 1,700-year-old copy of Homer's poem, kept at Manchester's John Rylands Library, was taken to New York in a bespoke case for the viewing.
Prof Christopher Pressler said it felt like a mission, as "we knew what was in this case but nobody else did", adding "It was a huge responsibility carrying something of global importance through JFK."
He said it led to "some mind-blowing moments" for the cast, with Nolan being "very moved" by holding the fragments.
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