Fun Facts About Robert-
1.
Robert wrote and published a book called Vincent: Poems from the Pictures of Van Gogh, which is nothing like any of his other books or translations. Why did Robert choose to write about Vincent Van Gogh, such a random topic?
2.
Ian McKellen and Simon Callow, two very famous celebrities, narrated some of Robert's translations on audio clips. (See "The Odyssey" page for the recording of Ian Mckellen narrating the Odyssey)
3.
Robert believed his translations were not meant to last in history. "He once compared his job to writing Braille for the blind, and said that he imagined in a generation or two that someone would have to come along and re-Braille it" (NyTimes).
4.
Robert actually started out teaching at Yale University for only a year before he began teaching at Princeton.
5.
Robert's voice was absolutely perfect for reading stories aloud to large audiences. His voice was deep and made even the most boring of texts very engaging. When Robert read his book "The Odyssey" to crowds (which he did often) the crowd would be almost in a trance, fascinated by his words.
6.
Robert loved watching the Kentucky Derby (Triple Crown) every year. It was his favorite TV show appearance of the year.
7.
For such a calm and collected man, Robert could actually be very loud and boisterous. Telling jokes was a skill of his, and he knew how to captivate a room of people with his charm and witty comments.
