The Oresteia: Agamemnon; The Libati...

The Oresteia: Agamemnon; The Libati...

Publisher
Penguin Classics
Published
1984
Pages
—
ISBN-13
9780140443332
Format
print
Language
English

Book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining highlighting. The book can also include "From the library of" labels. May not contain miscellaneous items toys, …

Book Summary
This Penguin Classics edition of Aeschylus's Oresteia trilogy—Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides—is the foundational text of Western drama. Fagles's celebrated verse translation captures the raw power of the original Greek while remaining accessible to modern readers. This used copy is in very good condition, making a cornerstone of classical literature available at an affordable price for students, theater lovers, and anyone exploring the origins of tragedy.
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About The Oresteia: Agamemnon; The Libati...

The Oresteia is the only surviving complete trilogy from ancient Greek drama, comprising Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides. Aeschylus traces the House of Atreus through murder, revenge, and the birth of civic justice. Agamemnon returns from Troy to be killed by his wife Clytemnestra; their son Orestes avenges him, then is pursued by the Furies until Athena establishes a court in Athens. Robert Fagles's translation, with an introduction and notes by W. B. Stanford, balances poetic intensity with clarity. This Penguin Classics paperback is in very good condition, with possible minimal underlining or highlighting and library labels, but remains a complete, readable copy. It offers timeless insight into justice, fate, and the transition from blood feud to law.

Who should read The Oresteia: Agamemnon; The Libati...?

Students of classical literature, drama, and philosophy will find this essential. Theater practitioners and actors benefit from Fagles's performable verse. Readers interested in justice, revenge, and the origins of democracy will appreciate the trilogy's themes. History enthusiasts exploring ancient Greece will value the cultural context. General readers seeking a foundational text of Western civilization will find this edition accessible and rewarding. Teachers and professors can use it as a core text for Greek tragedy courses.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Fagles's translation is both poetic and highly readable for modern audiences
  • ✓ Includes comprehensive introduction and notes by W. B. Stanford
  • ✓ Contains all three plays of the only surviving Greek tragic trilogy
  • ✓ Penguin Classics edition is widely respected for scholarship and affordability
  • ✓ Used copy in very good condition offers excellent value
Cons
  • ✗ May contain minimal underlining or highlighting from previous owner
  • ✗ Could include 'From the library of' labels or stickers
  • ✗ No supplementary items like DVDs or toys are included
  • ✗ Some readers may prefer a more literal translation over Fagles's poetic approach
  • ✗ Used copies may show signs of wear despite very good condition
Frequently asked questions
Is this a complete edition of the Oresteia?
Yes, this Penguin Classics volume contains all three plays: Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides, along with an introduction and notes.
What condition is this used book in?
The book is in very good condition and may include minimal underlining or highlighting, as well as 'From the library of' labels. It does not include miscellaneous items like toys or DVDs.
Who translated this edition?
The translation is by Robert Fagles, with an introduction and notes by W. B. Stanford. Fagles is renowned for his accessible yet poetic translations of Greek classics.
Is this edition suitable for students?
Absolutely. The Fagles translation is widely used in high school and college courses. The introduction and notes provide helpful context for understanding the plays.
Does the book include any extra materials?
This edition includes an introduction, notes, and a glossary of terms. It does not include DVDs, toys, or other miscellaneous items.

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