Plays and Fragments
Plays and Fragments by Menander, published by National Geographic Books on February 2, 1988, is a reissue that presents a significant collection of works from the foremost innovator of Greek New Comedy. This edition includes the complete text of ‘Old Cantankerous’ (Dyskolos), the only surviving full example of this dramatic style, alongside fragments from other notable plays such as ‘The Girl from Samos’ and ‘The Rape of the Locks’. Menander’s works focus on the everyday challenges faced by ordinary Athenians, exploring themes of domestic life, love, and family dynamics.
Readers will find that Menander’s writing, characterized by a poetic style, addresses the complexities of relationships and the humor inherent in life’s trials. This collection not only showcases the evolution of comedy but also highlights the historical context of ancient Greek drama. With 272 pages, this English edition serves as a valuable resource for those interested in drama, ancient history, and the development of comedic literature.
Official synopsis Publisher
Menander (c. 341-291 BC) was the foremost innovator of Greek New Comedy, a dramatic style that moved away from the fantastical to focus upon the problems of ordinary Athenians. This collection contains the full text of ‘Old Cantankerous’ (Dyskolos), the only surviving complete example of New Comedy, as well as fragments from works including ‘The Girl from Samos’ and ‘The Rape of the Locks’, all of which are concerned with domestic catastrophes, the hazards of love and the trials of family life. Written in a poetic style regarded by the ancients as second only to Homer, these polished works – profoundly influential upon both Roman playwrights such as Plautus and Terence, and the wider Western tradition – may be regarded as the first true comedies of manners.
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