Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays [Paperback]

Douglas M. MacDowell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 26, 1995

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.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"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

About the Author

Douglas M. MacDowell is at University of Glasgow.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (October 26, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198721595
• ISBN-13: 978-0198721598
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #929,018 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars intro to aristophanes, December 23, 1999

By 

fruity (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays (Paperback)

For anyone who is new to the crude and seemingly inaccessible humour of Aristophanes, this book should come as a blessing. Not only does it give detailed analysis of the political background necessary to appreciate the clever allegories, but acquaints the general reader with the overall messages of Aristophanes' plays that can be outrageously funny and clever. Arisophanes and Athens is very accessible, and sheds light on literature over 2000 years old that is surprisingly relevant to our society today.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Strong Opinions, and a Fine Overview, July 11, 2007

By 

Doug - Haydn Fan (California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays (Paperback)

Professor MacDowell here gives a play by play breakdown of the works of Aristophanes. Included are short summaries, or surmises on the missing plays when there is some evidence - extracts, period refernces, etc. Professor MaDowell writes clearly and his thoughts are easy to follow - something I cannot say for a majority of his tribe. He can also be quite blunt about views not in accord with his own conclusions! A great deal of his attention focuses on Aristophanes' efforts to sell his ideas - with special emphasis on the political - to the Athenian audience through his plays, a valid and persuasive starting point for examination of the works as well as one which gives a strong immediacy to the discussion. The reader receives a steady stream of up-to-date information as to the how and the where and the why for each play's production. MacDowell's approach does not categorically eschew topicality; he makes an apt and enlightening analogy between the younger Aristophanes' plays and the films of Hitchcock and the differing roles of producer and artist. Overall this book represents much diligent and careful thought: MacDowell is as well versed as anyone in the literature and it shows. While I differ on several points, his overall conception shows much distinction. The Chapters vary in quality, but all are thoroughly discussed and several, such as the essays on the Akharnians and Wasps, are very fine indeed.
A thought-provoking book; not only a good overview of the works for someone who wishes to further and more closely examine this most perplexing of comic masters, but also an excellent addition to a classical library of critical works.