The Comedies (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Terence (Author), Betty Radice (Translator)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 014044324X | ISBN-13: 978-0140443240 | Publication Date: November 18, 1976 | Edition: Rev Rep

The Roman dramatist Terence (c. 186-159 BC) adapted many of his comedies from Greek sources, rendering them suitable for audiences of his own time by introducing subtler characterization and more complex plots. In his romantic play, "The Girl from Andros" Terence portrays a love affair saved by a startling discovery. "The Self-Tormentor" focuses on a man's remorse after sending his son to war, and "The Eunuch" depicts a case of mistaken identity. "Phormio" is as rich in intrigue as a French farce, while "The Mother-in-Law" shows two families striving to save a marriage and "The Brothers" contrasts strict and lenient upbringings. With their tight plots and spare dialogue, Terence gave his plays a sense of humanity that became a model in the Renaissance and greatly influenced Moliere.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This new translation ... is to be warmly welcomed. The whole is marked by the kind of scholarship one would expect from Brown, well informed, perceptive, alert to opposing views, and above all judicious. John Barsby, Bryn Mawr Classical Review --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics; Rev Rep edition (November 18, 1976)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 014044324X
• ISBN-13: 978-0140443240
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #20,700 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Classical & Early
  • #19 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Greek & Roman

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars timeless classic comedy, December 20, 2002

By 

Some Pug Loves Me (Baton Rouge, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Comedies (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

Terence's character development is superb. He takes stock characters of past Greek plays and turns them around so that the reader sees that people are not black or white. They are rather gray with good and bad qualities. His stories develop around his characters and in each comedy there is a message that is as timesless as the dialogue and interaction between characters in his plays. I didn't really know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised with the mastery with which Terence took Greek plays and adapted them for his Roman audience. The editing was good, and I think that there is a little something for all readers in the comedies of Terence. They are timeless classics that draw a quiet smile from the reader rather than an outright laugh.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Comedic, June 26, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Comedies (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

This book is one of my favorite textbooks ever. The storylines are interesting, though perhaps not hilarious from a modern standpoint. They do however make excellent fodder for research papers and for a deeper understanding of the ancient world!

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this book, November 22, 2011

By 

mbp - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Terence The Comedies (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

I bought this book for a Roman history class and I really enjoyed the plays. I think that I will read more than just the assigned readings.