Resources and Intellectual Rationale

Resources and Primary Sources

Our work is primarily in the humanities and the arts, but it is supported by evidence in research in psychology, psychiatry, and other fields. Here are some of the works we draw from in the sciences, social sciences, as well as the most important literary texts that we use.

Psychiatry and Psychology

Achilles in Vietnam

Jonathan Shay

With over two decades of experience as a clinical psychiatrist for the VA, Dr. Jonathan Shay utilizes his knowledge to analyze the character of Achilles and PTSD in The Iliad. His assessment is both empathetic and insightful, offering a human perspective on the topic.

Odysseus In America

Jonathan Shay

Shay delves deeper into the themes of homecoming and leadership, building on the foundation of his groundbreaking debut's discussion of moral injury. He also examines the concepts of success and failure in leadership.

Classical Scholarship

A History of the Mind

and Mental Health in

Classical Greek Thought

Chiara Thumiger

Euripides' Heracles in the Flesh

Offers, "a model of interaction between medicine and and tragedy."

Brooke Holmes

Jennifer Kossack

Vivian Nutton

Shirley Sullivan

Hippocrates - Medicine and Culture

Greek Tragedies

Persians by Aeschylus

The only surviving tragedy based on an historical event, this tragedy tells the story of the naval battle of Salamis where the Persians were defeated.

Ajax by Sophocles

This tragedy tells the story of Ajax's suicide and its aftermath among his comrades, child, concubine, rivals, and commanding officers.

Herakles by Euripides

The story of Herakles (or Hercules) and his madness that caused him to murder his wife and children. After his horrible act, his comrade Theseus helps him cope.

Research in Classics

Performance and Cure

Karelia Hartigan

Hartigan writes about her own experiences performing for patients in a hospital, and links it to the ancient performances in the cult of Asclepius.