Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays / Edition 1

by Douglas M. MacDowell

Overview

Aristophanes' comedies are famous for their comic characters and earthy humor. But they are also highly topical, with many contemporary political allusions easily missed today. This book provides students with a long needed accessible and essential introductory guide to the plays, focusing particularly on information about the Athens of the day.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780198721598
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	10/26/1995
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	376
Product dimensions:	8.49(w) x 5.46(h) x 0.88(d)
Lexile:	1260L (what's this?)

About the Author

University of Glasgow

Editorial Reviews

"As a general guide to the contemporary background of the comedies...MacDowell's book has no rival."—Choice

"A thorough sampling of the plays of Aristophanes with extensive commentary. A good anthology for beginning students."—Jack D. Ferguson, Professor of History, Boise State University

"There is much of value contained herin, especially from the point of view of the collection of issues....if one requires a single introduction to all the surviving plays of Aristophanes...this is as good as any, and better than most."—Bryn Mawr Review

"[MacDowell] offers a judicious summary of much current scholarship, even when he courteously disagrees with some arguments. Useful for college and university libraries and also for courses that deal with Athenian religious beliefs."—Religious Studies Review

From the Publisher