Customer Reviews

Euripides III: Hecuba, Andromache, The Trojan Women, Ion (The Complete Greek Tragedies) (Vol 5)

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The third in this series of translation of Greek drama has the same basic flaws as the others: conservative translation. But also like the others it is very readable and affordable. I also liked the fact that these plays were organized so that the stories are shown in their interconnected fashion. An audience member in ancient Greece would have this full background and thus it is a wonderful ideas for the modern reader to take time and at least read all the introductions before beginning any one text.

Again, Grene and Lattimore deliver an excellent collection of plays by Euripides. The language and clear and readable in all translations. However, I also continue my criticism that these works lack footnotes to guide readers through obscure mythological references. I believe the Arrowsmith translations have a few, but this should be more widespread.

And interesting aspect to this volume in particular is the thematic unity of the plays. The first three all concern the division of skin and treasure after the fall of Troy. The fourth (Ion) is something of an anomaly, but was actually my favorite of all those within this volume.