Customer Reviews

Oedipus Tyrannus: A New Translation. Passages from Ancient Authors. Religion and Psychology: Some Studies. Criticism

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This translation facilitates the modern reader's understanding of this crucial and difficult ancient play. What's most impressive is that this edtion includes really helpful information and criticism for the general reader and the scholar. Not only will students and teachers benefit from the lucid scholarship, but the general reader will be intrigued by the volumes of historical, psychological, and dramaturgical essays in this book. Even Oedipus would wish his eyes back to be able to read this translation.

We read this classic outloud in my high school class this year and my students could not believe how modern the themes were. Everyone can relate to the detective element (many critics claim this as the first true detective plot), the search for truth, the irony (the very definition of dramatic irony is Oedipus) and the gripping plot. I would also like to add that as always the Norton editions are by the far the best available. They have terrific background information and a great collection of pertinent essays. They make scholars out of just regular readers. If you never read Oedipus, buy it now!