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Lysistrata and Other Plays

By Aristophanes
Penguin Classics
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Lysistrata and Other Plays by Aristophanes is a collection of comedic plays that explore themes such as war, politics, and gender roles in ancient Greece. Through the titular play, Lysistrata, Aristophanes tells the story of a group of women who band together to end a war by withholding marital privileges from their husbands. The plays are celebrated for their wit, social commentary, and ability to blend humour with serious subject matter.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this compilation if you're intrigued by ancient Greek comedy, satire, and the witty critique of societal norms. The plays explore themes of gender roles, power dynamics, and political absurdities with humour and sharp commentary, all while providing insights into classical culture.

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Collecting three comedies that show Aristophanes tackling the consequences of war and social upheaval in Athens with his characteristic wit, this title shows the political and social crisis in Athens, Aristophanes was an eloquent, yet bawdy challenger to the demagogue and the sophist.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Aristophanes was a contemporary of Socrates and the last and greatest of the old Attic comedians, but unfortunately, only 11 of his plays survive. Of these, Lysistrata and Other Plays contains three: Lysistrata, The Acharnians, and The Clouds.

Aristophanes was sceptical about the democratic system of government and was critical of the eagerness with which the people committed themselves to war. The plays in this volume reflect these concerns: Lysistrata is a bawdy anti-war fantasy; The Acharnians is a plea for peace set against the background of the long war with Sparta; and The Clouds.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Lysistrata and Other Plays by Aristophanes is generally acclaimed for its comedic brilliance and its insightful commentary on the social and political issues of Ancient Greece. Reviewers often highlight the wit and humour that Aristophanes uses to convey deeper themes, such as gender dynamics and the folly of war. The plays are praised for their enduring relevance and the translation's ability to maintain the original's spirit and intent.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140448146

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 30 January 2003

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Alan H. Sommerstein

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 225g

Pages: 304

Collections

Aristophanes Arts & Culture Best Sellers at Book Hero In Stock Arts & Culture Books In Stock Books Non-Fiction Penguin Black Classics Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: Arts & Culture

About the Author

Aristophanes (c.448-c.385 BC), a contemporary of Socrates, was the last and greatest of the Old Attic comedians. He wrote at least 40 plays, of which 11 survived through the Middle Ages to be read and performed today. Alan Sommerstein is Head of Classics Department at Nottingham. He has translated many of Aristophanes' plays and is the author of Greek Drama & Dramatists (2002)

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