Medea and Other Plays (Oxford World's Classics) [Paperback]

Euripides (Author), James Morwood (Translator), Edith Hall (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Oxford World's Classics | Publication Date: November 19, 1998

Euripides was one of the most popular and controversial of all Greek tragedians, and his plays are marked by an independence of thought, ingenious dramatic devices, and a subtle variety of register and mood. He is also remarkable for the prominence he gave to female characters, whether heroines of virtue or vice. This new translation does full justice to Euripides's range of tone and gift of narrative. A lucid introduction provides substantial analysis of each play, complete with vital explanations of the traditions and background to Euripides's world.
Contains: Medea; Hippolytus; Electra; Helen

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Hellenists and generalists alike have reason to rejoice ... adds to our understanding and appreciation of a poet-playwright who has never ceased to controversial ... comprises four major plays that are wonderful to have together. Edith Hall's introductory essays ... are eloquent and informative, deftly highlighting each play's chief issues ... several new insights into the texts, and sound explanations of the mythical background and ongoing action ... James Morwood's translations ... are extraordinary. In crisp prose ... these may be the easiest-to-read accurate versions that we are likely to see and, in the inexpensive World Classics edition are quite a bargain. No others ... lend themselves to such a ready reading ... The sheer clarity of the English is a considerable achievement.' Victor Castellani, The Classical Outlook/Fall 1999, Volume 77, no 1

About the Author

James Morwood is Grocyn Lecturer at Wadham College, Oxford.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (November 19, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0192824422
• ISBN-13: 978-0192824424
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #615,004 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection, November 14, 2004

By 

Ski_AEX (Rainier, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Medea and Other Plays (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

I think this is one of the better compilations I've seen. I've really been impressed with all of the Oxford World's Classics series. The information given in the Introduction as well as the maps and reference materials mentioned are very helpful. In addition I like having the notes listed at the end of the compilation rather then interspersed, I find it less distracting that way. A must have for any Greek Literature Scholar.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bared to The Wire., August 16, 2009

By 

Mr. H. C. Orr (England) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Medea and Other Plays (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

Although writing around 450B.C., Euripedes still holds importance for anyone interested in modern drama. Indeed, I came to Euripedes et al. because of "The Wire" creator David Simon's admission that large parts of his show's plot and characterisation were "stolen" (his words) from the three great Greek tragedians (the other two being Aeschylus and Sophocles).

Euripedes holds a reputation as possibly the darkest of all the Greek playwrights (so dark that he was deeply unpopular in Athens, repeatedly mocked by Aristophanes in his plays, and forced into exile in the last years of his life). "Medea" is probably his most famous work, and indeed it is exceedingly dark stuff, dealing with child murder and revenge just for starters.

But what makes Euripedes' work endure is the extreme economy he employs in his works, along with the means of expressing this economy: "Medea" runs to perhaps fifty pages, and he was the first playwright to use everyday, idiomatic language as the language of the gods and classical heroes. In so doing, "Medea" and the other works featured here are a reminder of the enduring power of sparse and direct language.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Medea, February 3, 2010

By 

Tanya L. Angell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Medea and Other Plays (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

The item had major water damage, but the seller emailed me explaining this before he sent it. Very responsible.