Description
Book SynopsisPrecise yet fluent translations of the timeless Theban tragedies.
Trade ReviewIn emphasizing the political elements of the plays, Professors Ahrensdorf and Pangle spur their readers — our students — to engage deeply with Sophocles' masterpieces....Their incisive reflections interrogate the texts in original and thought-provoking ways, particularly in regard to their political elements. Even where we disagree with them, their ideas merit serious consideration.... The translators situate Oedipus the Tyrant in its political context and ask probing questions about the nature of tyranny, guilt, and knowingness.... The introductions to Oedipus at Colonus and Antigone are similarly rich in ideas. Alternately considering matters of justice, allegiance and political legitimacy, Ahrensdorf and Pangle mine themes of timeless interest and application. In Antigone, they question Creon’s injunction to obey — son to father, young to old, ruled to ruler — and his admonition that there is no greater evil than anarchy. In these two principles, one finds the root of arguments, both ancient and contemporary,over the nature of political legitimacy and stability.
-- Michael Fontaine and Richard Fontaine * Bryn Mawr Classical Review *
Table of ContentsTranslators' PrefaceIntroduction to Oedipus the TyrantOedipus the TyrantIntroduction to Oedipus at ColonusOedipus at ColonusIntroduction to AntigoneAntigone
