Oxford readings in Aristophanes

This anthology is a 'must' for all serious students of Aristophanes. It includes in one volume sixteen of the most important contributions to the study of the only surviving author of Greek Attic comedy who has left us more than fragments. The extant eleven plays reflect the spirit of Athens in the golden age - and its unique freedom of speech. The essays deal not only with the better-known comedies like Clouds and Birds, but also with the later, more unusual works such as The Assemblywomen and Wealth, which represent important stages towards the evolution of modern comedy. Subjects range from the classic question of Aristophanes' relationship to contemporary politics to more modern issues such as feminism, gender, performance context, and the interaction between fifth century comedy and tragedy. Many of the contributions are not otherwise readily available, coming from foreign journals and books difficult to obtain. All the Greek has been translated for the benefit of students reading the plays in English.