Aristophanes: Acharnians, Knights, Wasps, Peace: A Verse Translation, with Introductions and Notes

Aristophanes is the only surviving representative of Greek Old Comedy, known for its brilliant combination of fantasy and satire. This third and final volume of a new verse translation includes his most political plays, such as Acharnians, Knights, Wasps, and Peace, which challenge society's institutions and values through laughter. The translation combines historical accuracy with a sensitive attempt to capture the rich dramatic and literary qualities of Aristophanic comedy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Aristophanes stands as the sole surviving exemplar of Greek Old Comedy, a vibrant and exuberant theatrical form that thrived in Athens during the fifth century BC. Regarded as one of the most innovative playwrights in the entirety of Western literature, his comedies are renowned for their ingenious fusion of fantasy and satire, their relentless creativity in manipulating language, and their audacious employment of absurd characters and storylines to challenge and expose the institutions and values of his society through the exhilarating force of laughter. This remarkable translation represents the third and final installment in a new verse rendition of Aristophanes' complete plays. Comprising four of his most overtly political works, Acharnians, Knights, Wasps, and Peace, this volume showcases Aristophanes' sharp wit and political commentary. The translation skillfully combines historical accuracy with a delicate endeavor to preserve the rich theatrical and literary essence of Aristophanic comedy. Each play is accompanied by a thought-provoking introduction and comprehensive editorial notes, ensuring a harmonious balance between performance accessibility and fidelity to the original text.

Aristophanes, the renowned Greek playwright, stands as the sole surviving representative of Greek Old Comedy, a vibrant and exuberant theatrical form that thrived in Athens during the fifth century BC. Regarded as one of the most innovative playwrights in the entirety of Western literature, his comedies are renowned for their ingenious fusion of fantasy and satire, their relentless creativity in manipulating language, and their audacious employment of absurd characters and storylines to challenge and expose the institutions and values of his society through the exhilarating force of laughter. This remarkable translation represents the third and final installment in a new verse rendition of Aristophanes' complete plays. Comprising four of his most overtly political works, Acharnians, Knights, Wasps, and Peace, this volume showcases Aristophanes' sharp wit and political commentary. The translation skillfully combines historical accuracy with a delicate endeavor to preserve the rich theatrical and literary essence of Aristophanic comedy. Each play is accompanied by a thought-provoking introduction and comprehensive editorial notes, ensuring a harmonious balance between performance accessibility and fidelity to the original text.

Weight: 686g
Dimension: 222 x 147 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198149958