Author Description

"Descendants of Troy: Readings in the Humanities" by Sergio La Porta provides a unique introduction to major texts of Western literature from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages. Developed for students with little or no prior exposure to this literary tradition, this anthology includes a range of selections from the "Iliad" to the "Inferno." Students will gain reading confidence by exploring the literary heritage of the Trojan War and its participants. In addition, modern poetry about these characters is presented alongside the classics, highlighting the relevance of the ancient texts and fostering an appreciation for contemporary work as well. While Professor La Porta uses the readings to explore the costs of war, the function of memory, and the quest for self-knowledge, the variety of readings gives professors and students the freedom to engage in a multitude of themes. As an introduction to the classics, this anthology is both challenging and accessible, providing a foundation essential in any humanities education. Sergio La Porta, Ph.D. (Harvard University) is the Haig and Isabel Berberian Professor of Armenian Studies at California State University, Fresno, where he teaches courses in Armenian literature, history, and religion as well as introductory courses in the Humanities. His areas of research include Armenian intellectual and political history, philology, and apocalyptic literature. Dr. La Porta s recent publications include a three-volume study on Armenian commentaries on the works of Dionysius the Areopagite (Peeters, 2008) and several articles on Armenian spirituality and political legitimacy; he also co-edited a volume entitled "The Poetics of Grammar and the Metaphysics of Sound and Sign" (Brill, 2007)."