Lysistrata (Dover Thrift Editions) [Paperback]

Aristophanes (Author)

Book Description

Series: Dover Thrift Editions | Publication Date: October 20, 1994

Classic comedy (5th century BC) concerns the vow of Greek women to withhold sex from their husbands until the men agree to end the disastrous wars between Athens and Sparta. Exuberant battle of the sexes with underlying anti-war theme.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 14 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (October 20, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486282252
• ISBN-13: 978-0486282251
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #12,760 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Drama > Anthologies
  • #13 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Arts & Photography > Performing Arts > Theater > General
  • #22 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > Drama > General

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Make love, not war!, October 4, 2002

By 

Michael J. Mazza - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lysistrata (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

"Lysistrata," the play by Aristophanes, has been published in an anonymous translation as part of the Dover Thrift Editions series. The opening commentary on the text notes that this play dates back to 411 BCE. Aristophanes tells the story of his title character, an Athenian woman who, weary of war, conceives a bold plan: she enlists the women of Greece to refuse to have sex with their men until the men make peace.

The plot of this play is thus quite simple, but it is marvelously handled by the author. The play is a rich and effective mix of slapstick antics, bawdy wordplay, and biting sociopolitical commentary. At the center of this enjoyable play is the commanding figure of Lysistrata. Articulate and resolute, she is truly one of the great characters of world drama; she's a woman with a bold vision.

Although it is a funny comedy, "Lysistrata" does deal with some serious issues that remain relevant after all these centuries. Recommended as a companion text: "Necessary Targets," a play by Eve Ensler. This non-comedic drama also deals with the issue of women in a country at war.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious and Still Relevant, December 30, 2005

By 

John (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lysistrata (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

Last semester, I took a college course on comedic drama. Lysistrata was one of the first plays the class read, and it, the oldest play we read, provided the room of twenty-somethings with our biggest belly-laugh of the semester. That, it seems, attests to the endurance of this theatrical masterpiece.

The plot is outstanding. The country is involved in a needless war that is tearing everyone apart. In response, Lysistrata leads the women in a conspiracy to stop the war. They will lock themselves in the temple and withhold sex from their men until the war stops. The outcome is increasingly hilarious (and bawdy), and profound.

And of course, the play wouldn't still be around if it were simply funny. There are layers of meaning here and, in true comedic fashion, an appeal to a better way of life. The play builds to an appeal to a more spirit-filled, more peaceful, and loving, way of living. It's no wonder that this play is still relevant 2500 years after it was written.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lysistrata is timeless, May 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Lysistrata (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

I read Lysistrata several months ago and expected it to be positively boring. I was wrong. It's a smart, hilarious play about the power of sex over war. Very enjoyable!