An illustrated introduction to ancient Greek tragedy, written by one of its most distinguished experts, which provides all the background information necessary for understanding the context and content of the dramas. A special feature is an individual essay on every one of the surviving 33 plays.
Class and Greco-Roman Antiquity in Britain and Ireland 1689 to 1939
Focusing on the often-overlooked experiences of working-class individuals, this book delves into how the classical past shaped their lives in Britain and Ireland from the late 17th to early 20th centuries. It highlights the exclusion of their voices from traditional classical scholarship and education, offering a fresh perspective on the impact of classical studies on diverse societal groups.
The adventures of Ulysses/Odysseus are amongst the most durable in human culture. This title explains the Homer's epic in terms of its susceptibility to adaptation.
Who were the ancient Greeks? They gave us democracy, philosophy, poetry, rational science, the joke. But what was it that enabled them to achieve so much? The ancient Greeks were a geographically disparate people whose civilization lasted over twenty centuries - and that made us who we are today. And here Edith Hall gives us a revelatory way of viewing this scattered people, identifying ten unique personality traits that she shows to be unique and central to the widespread ancient Greeks. Hall introduces a people who are inquisitive, articulate and open-minded but also rebellious, individualistic, competitive and hedonistic. They prize excellence above all things but love to laugh. And, central to their identity, they are seafarers whose relationship with the sea underpins every aspect of their society. Expertly researched and elegantly told, this indispensable introduction unveils a civilization of incomparable richness and a people of astounding complexity.
The book delves into the intricate relationship between ancient Greek drama and Athenian social reality, presenting twelve studies that examine various theatrical roles and conventions. Hall analyzes diverse characters, such as women in childbirth and tragic masks, to illustrate how these portrayals reflect and influence societal norms. She argues that the connection between theater and the real world is a dynamic process of mutual influence, highlighting the complexity of this cultural exchange in ancient Greece.
Love and loyalty, hatred and revenge, fear, deprivation, and political ambition: these are the motives which thrust the characters portrayed in these three Sophoclean masterpieces on to their collision course with catastrophe. Recognized in his own day as perhaps the greatest of the Greek tragedians, Sophocles's reputation has remained undimmed for two and a half thousand years. His greatest innovation in the tragic medium was his development of a central tragic figure, faced with a test of will and character, risking obloquy and death rather than compromise his or her principles: it is striking that Antigone and Electra both have a woman as their intransigent `hero'. Antigone dies rather than neglect her duty to her family, Oedipus's determination to save his city results in the horrific discovery that he has committed both incest and parricide, and Electra's unremitting anger at her mother and her lover keeps her in servitude and despair. These vivid translations combine elegance and modernity, and are equally suitable for reading or theatrical performance.
The enduring appeal of Ulysses/Odysseus's journey lies in the rich tapestry of adventures he faces, from enchanting Sirens to the formidable Cyclops, culminating in his quest for retribution against the suitors of Penelope. Homer's portrayal of this resourceful hero has captivated audiences for nearly three millennia, inviting exploration of themes such as heroism, loyalty, and the complexities of homecoming. The timeless nature of these tales continues to resonate, sparking curiosity about their lasting significance in human culture.
‘Wonderful and timely … Hugely recommended’ STEPHEN FRYWhat do you and an ancient philosopher have in common? It turns out much more than you might think… Aristotle was an extraordinary thinker yet he was preoccupied by an ordinary how to be happy. In this handbook to his timeless teachings, Professor Edith Hall shows how ancient thinking is precisely what we need today, even if you don’t know your Odyssey from your Iliad. In ten practical lessons you can learn how to make good decisions, how to ace an interview, how to choose a partner and how to face death. This is advice that won’t go out of fashion.‘A beguiling cross between Mary Beard and Mary Poppins’ Observer
They gave us democracy, philosophy, poetry, rational science, the joke. They built the Parthenon and the Library of Alexandria. They wrote the timeless myths of Odysseus and Oedipus, and the histories of Leonidas's three hundred Spartans and Alexander the Great. But who were the ancient Greeks? And what was it that enabled them to achieve so much? Here, Edith Hall gives us a revelatory way of viewing this geographically scattered people, visiting different communities at various key moments during twenty centuries of ancient history. Identifying ten unique traits central to the widespread ancient Greeks, Hall unveils a civilization of incomparable richness and a people of astounding complexity - and explains how they made us who we are today. 'A thoroughly readable and illuminating account of this fascinating people... This excellent book makes us admire and like the ancient Greeks equally' Independent 'A worthy and lively introduction to one of the two groups of ancient peoples who really formed the western world' Sunday Times 'Throughout, Hall exemplifies her subjects' spirit of inquiry, their originality and their open-mindedness' Daily Telegraph 'A book that is both erudite and splendidly entertaining' Financial Times
What made the Greeks unique in their time and why their influence lives on today.