Menander and the Making of Comedy (Paperback)

by J. Michael Walton (Author), Peter D. Arnott (Author) "Of all the playwrights who have been sufficiently influential to merit an individual study in a series entitled Lives of the Theatre, none can be..." (more)
Key Phrases: comic tradition, New Comedy, The Arbitration, The Shield (more...)

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

“ues to divide scholars: W. and A. adopt a positive approach, drawing on their extensive practical experience of drama in performance. This book, in my view, the best recent work on the plays. and I would recommend it both to classicists and to students of English and European literature as a work that captures the essential spirit of Menander.”–Journal

“This book is, in my view, the best recent work on the plays, and I would recommend it both to classicists and to students of English and European literature as a work that captures the essential spirit of Menander.”–Journal of Hellenic Studies --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description
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.

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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
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,059,840 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

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

By	Doug - Haydn Fan (California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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.