
Delve into the world of ancient Greek drama and poetry through a thoughtful, scholarly guide that traces the evolution of tragedy from its early roots to the innovations of Euripides. The author examines the central ideas that shaped the art—such as the concept of Nemesis—and explores how historical events like the Persian Wars influenced the Athenian stage. Along the way, readers encounter insightful discussions of the surviving fragments of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, revealing the enduring themes that still resonate today.
The second half of the work shifts focus to the lesser‑known poets and the complex history of their preservation, from Alexandrian libraries to Byzantine scholars. It offers clear explanations of the differences between old, middle, and new comedy, and considers how ancient theatrical conventions compare with modern drama. Rich with literary analysis yet accessible in tone, this study invites listeners to appreciate the lasting legacy of Greece’s great poets.
Language
en
Duration
~12 hours (705K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Richard Tonsing, Stephen Rowland, Ted Garvin and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2014-10-30
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1840–1893
A vivid Victorian man of letters, he wrote passionately about the Italian Renaissance, travel, poetry, and the inner life. His work also became important for early modern writing about same-sex desire and personal identity.
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