Introducing Contubernales…

There are more people out there with a love of Classics than we realise, with this number growing steadily as new widespread media becomes available. It’s a subject that, despite any attempts made to keep it within its niche, continues to encourage a wide variety of prospective Classicists. What’s more, there are always those working within the community who are eager to help newcomers acquaint themselves with everything that the ancient world has to offer.

The team behind Conturbales Books are precisely this type of people.

Established by Garrett Dome and Zachary Sowerby, this independent publisher specialises in Latin texts, and works fuelled by a fascination with Classics. So, let’s take a look at some of the titles in their catalogue - perhaps you’ll find something that piques your curiosity.

Sodālēs

Whether they are developing an interest in the ancient world or preparing to study the language at school, Sodālēs is here to support younger readers in their first forays into Latin. From the same mind that brought us Legonium, this early reader uses charming Lego figures to bring the vocabulary to life in a way that is both educational and entertaining. There are times when learning a language can feel dry, or the grammar rules seem quite intimidating, but creative resources can make an enormous difference by making Latin approachable and relatable for younger linguists.

To be honest I would recommend this book for the pictures alone!

https://contubernalesbooks.com/sodales

Φερδινάνδος ὁ Ταῦρος: An Ancient Greek Version of The Story of Ferdinand

The Story of Ferdinand’s first ever Ancient Greek translation, Φερδινάνδος ὁ Ταῦρος is an excellent way for readers to experience Munro Leaf’s 1936 classic while getting the opportunity to really test their knowledge of the language (particularly as it isn’t accompanied by the original English text). Translations of familiar stories can be a very helpful tool for language learners of all levels, as it enables them to push themselves further and, perhaps, even gain a renewed appreciation of an old favourite through a different cultural lens. So, if you’re a student of Ancient Greek or – like myself – have fond memories of Disney’s 1938 adaptation, why not add this lovely edition to your library?

https://contubernalesbooks.com/ferdinand-the-bull-an-ancient-greek-version-of-the-story-of-ferdinand

Caesar The Ethnographer

One of the greatest satisfactions you can experience as a language student is being able to fully appreciate a text in its original form; Caesar The Ethnographer works to bring Latin students a step closer to doing just that. Taking a range of passages from Julius Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico, this tiered reader is organised to gradually ask more of the reader’s Latin comprehension skills as each section progresses.

Although there are some notes – in both Latin and English – to highlight potentially unfamiliar vocabulary as well as context for the chosen passages, it’s important that the reader brings to this their own Latin knowledge and a willingness to travel further along their linguistic journey. Translations are foundational to our initial contact with the ancient world and speak to the passion and skill of those who produced to them, but there is something truly special about interpreting the original text for yourself and Caesar The Ethnographer is a terrific way to help Latin students – intermediate and above – achieve this.

https://contubernalesbooks.com/caesar-the-ethnographer

Our Aeneid

Expected to release in the winter of 2026, ‘Our Aeneid’ is a translation of Virgil’s epic poem that strives to be “a lasting artifact of the 21st-century classics community.” With the possibility for over 200 translators to contribute, there are no restrictions placed upon who is chosen to participate beyond a thoughtful interaction with the original Latin. The option for translators to write in any language known to them and decide whether it will be in verse or prose provides an excellent avenue for those taking part to bring something of themselves to their translation, revealing to the wider world what a diverse and democratic field Classics can be.

https://contubernalesbooks.com/our-aeneid

Honourable Mention

Last but certainly not least, we have Working Classicists’ own publication with Contubernales, A Periodic Table of Greek Mythology. Edited by co-founder Miri Teixeira, this rich, dynamic introduction to Greek mythology is set out in the same style as a periodic table with categories ranging from Chthonic Characters to Transformations. Each ‘element’ is accompanied by a pronunciation guide and description of their role within Greek mythology and of their continued influence in society and popular culture. As well as having an innovative approach to the topic, the book challenges the notion of who is allowed or, at the very least, expected to contribute to the field of Classical Studies. The very existence of this book highlights the popularity of the subject and how budding Classicists emerge when they are given the tools to do so.

https://contubernalesbooks.com/a-periodic-table-of-greek-mythology