Menander and the Making of Comedy (Contributions in Drama and Theatre Studies) [Paperback]

J. Michael Walton (Author), Peter D. Arnott (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0275934209 | ISBN-13: 978-0275934200 | Publication Date: February 28, 1996

This fascinating introduction to the comedy of Menander is the work of two classical scholars, both of whom have worked extensively as theatre practitioners. This is the first book to consider the plays of Menander primarily as performance pieces and to uncover the dramatic technique of this widely admired comic writer, whose plays had all but disappeared until the 1950s. Looking at the theatrical context of Menandrian comedy in its widest sense, the book includes discussions of recent productions, the recovery of the texts, the treatment of women and slaves, the nature of Menander's comedy, and where it may have led within the European tradition. This book will be of interest to both students of theatre and classicists.

Editorial Reviews

Review

?Written by two authors well-versed in theater scholarship and play production, this insightful reappraisal of Menander's vision of realism and of his dramaturgical masterstrokes within a formula-driven framework will appeal to those interested in theater history and the comic tradition. Walton convincingly demonstrates why Menander played well in ancient times and has been enthusiastically received on the modern stage. All collections.?-Choice --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Book Description

An engaging introduction to the plays and dramatic method of the most highly regarded comic writer of the classical period.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Paperback (February 28, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275934209
• ISBN-13: 978-0275934200
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,754,239 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Work Issued at Bargain Price, July 26, 2007

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This review is from: Menander and the Making of Comedy (Contributions in Drama and Theatre Studies) (Paperback)

Menander remains a mystery for most theater-goers. This work, carefully put together by two outstanding exponents of the classical stage, gives a fine concise overview of the Greek theater and the playwright. If you love the stage and stage history you should find this book a worthwhile and even engrossing read. As you will discover, it's really true that there's very little new under the sun! Menander did indeed create modern comedy, and the examples covered bear this estimate out.
The book does not require a knowledge of either Greek or Latin, and the prose is that rara avis among academic tomes - fluent, natural and stylish. Although not an especially long work the chapters present a significant amount of material, well-organized and presented - on finishing you should know more about Menander and his works than all but the specialists!
After this work you will probably wish to read a full play - and two are now available - after 2,000 years of oblivion.
All in all an excellent book and most deserving to join any collection covering the Greek theater.