Many first fell in love with Sappho's poetry through the electrifying translations by Mary Ethel Barnard. Barnard passed away in 2001, but it is still possible to get an intimate view of her through resources provided by Reed College.
The Mary Ethel Barnard Papers at Reed College includes a fine brief biography. But for more personal encounters you should explore the articles and recollections of Mary Barnard at Reed Magazine.
The August 1999 edition includes three valuable articles:
- You can share John P. Sheehy's Afternoons with the Muse, which recalls discussions with Barnard at her home in Vancouver, Washington.
- "The Words She Commands," by Walter G. Englert III provides a renowned classicist's view of Barnard's translations, with several examples.
- "Writing a Creative Thesis in the Golden Age," presents revealing first-person excerpts from Mary Barnard's creative thesis and her letters home. A delightful insight into her idea of poetry is provided by her Creed.
The May 2002 edition includes a heartfelt remembrance of Barnard in remembering mary barnard ’32 by Abigail Brown Root.
Finally, Remembrances of things past and past-due, from the November 2000 edition, offers Barnard's recollections of the Reed College library.
Every admirer of Mary Barnard and her Sappho will find something of value in these perspectives on Bernard and her life.
