Sophocles: Oedipus Rex (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) [Paperback]

Sophocles (Author), R. D. Dawe (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2006 | ISBN-10: 0521617359 | ISBN-13: 978-0521617352 | Edition: 2

'Sophocles ... created a masterpiece that in the eyes of posterity has overshadowed every other achievement in the field of ancient drama ...' With these words Dr Dawe sets out the importance of Oedipus Rex. He investigates why it has for so long fascinated the human mind, devoting his introduction to an examination of the story and to the technique employed by Sophocles to unfold the plot. In this revised edition he also argues for the spurious nature of the play's ending. As with the first edition, the commentary deals authoritatively with problems of language and expression, but is enhanced by reflections on the text developed in the twenty years since the publication of that first edition. Written for classical scholars and students, this is a welcome revised edition of a bestselling text.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I recommend the thoughtful introduction ... and laud the outrageous blend of hardest core philology and good humour that makes every page a joy to read. Dr Dawe has a merciless eye for nonsense in scholarly writing and an uncanny ability to turn a tragic Gestalt into a casual acquaintance.' William M. Calder III, The Classical Journal --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, Greek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 2 edition (August 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521617359
• ISBN-13: 978-0521617352
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #833,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The irony of fate., June 12, 1999

By 

R. D. Allison ([e-mail]) (Gainesville, Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Oedipus Rex (Paperback)

"Oedipus the King" (or, "Oedipus Rex") is probably Sophocles' most famous work, first performed about 429 B. C. It should be required reading for every college Freshman (or High School student). As had been prophesied, Oedipus unknowingly kills his father, Laius, and unknowingly marries his own mother, Jocasta (or, Iocasta). The play has great use of irony. Jocasta recognizes the truth before Oedipus and tries to prevent him from finding out. The play has unsurpassed use of dramatic irony. The play inspires fear and pity in the audience for the hero. It has had a great influence on later authors.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Oedipus Rex: A Dissertation on Human Behavior, March 2, 2000

By 

Reid Capalino (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sophocles: Oedipus Rex (Cambridge Greek and Latin Classics) (Greek Edition) (Paperback)

Oedipus Rex is a timeless, masterpiece of a tragedy whose greatness and complexity far transcends the age in which it was written. Sophecles skillfully delves into the depths of human behavior, and discerns an acute knowledge of the components which compromise the human behavior which he is studying. Human desires, the human moral code, and the human sense of remorse are three of the facets of human behavior which Sophocles conveys to us through Oedipus in his rise to power and subsequent demise. Reading Oedipus Rex can not only provide a powerful and extraordinary literary experience, but can also pose an oppurtunity for examination and reflection regarding human behavior at large, and the behavior of one's self. After reading Oedipus, it is not difficult to understand why Aristotle proclaimed Sophocles' epic to be civilization's greatest work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the classic play, November 12, 2000

By 

[e-mail] "[e-mail]" (Beaumont, tx USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Oedipus Rex (Paperback)

this is one of the best plays ever written, as well as one of the earliest. oedipus has become very much a part of our culture, and the oedipus plays should be required reading. fitzgerald and fitts did a wonderful job in the translation.