Five Comedies: Miles Gloriosus,...

Five Comedies: Miles Gloriosus,...

Publisher
Hackett Publishing Company, Inc.
Published
1999
Pages
—
ISBN-13
9780872203624
Format
print
Language
English

Intended to benefit students in schools and colleges, this title contains short introductions to Roman stage conventions, and to different types of Greek and Roman comedy.

Book Summary
This student edition of five Plautus comedies—Miles Gloriosus, Mostellaria, Menaechmi, Rudens, and Trinummus—provides clear Latin text with facing vocabulary and notes. Short introductions cover Roman staging and Greek vs. Roman comic traditions, making it ideal for intermediate Latin courses. It balances scholarly rigor with accessibility, helping students read authentic Roman comedy with confidence.
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About Five Comedies: Miles Gloriosus,...

Designed for school and college Latin students, this volume presents five complete plays by Plautus: Miles Gloriosus, Mostellaria, Menaechmi, Rudens, and Trinummus. Each comedy is accompanied by concise introductions that explain Roman stage conventions and the differences between Greek New Comedy and Roman adaptations. The text includes facing-page vocabulary and grammatical notes, enabling intermediate readers to engage directly with Plautus's lively Latin. The selection showcases the playwright's range—from the braggart soldier to mistaken identity and domestic intrigue—while the editorial apparatus supports comprehension without overwhelming. This edition is a practical classroom resource that builds reading fluency and appreciation for Roman theatrical tradition.

Who should read Five Comedies: Miles Gloriosus,...?

Intermediate Latin students in high school or college will find this edition accessible and instructive. Teachers seeking a reliable classroom text with built-in vocabulary and cultural notes will appreciate the format. Undergraduates studying Roman comedy or classical drama benefit from the clear introductions. General readers with a foundation in Latin who wish to explore Plautus in the original will also enjoy these five representative plays.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • ✓ Facing-page vocabulary and notes support intermediate Latin readers
  • ✓ Concise introductions explain Roman staging and comic traditions
  • ✓ Five complete plays offer a representative sample of Plautus
  • ✓ Clear Latin text suitable for classroom use
  • ✓ Affordable student edition with helpful apparatus
Cons
  • ✗ No facing English translation for comparison
  • ✗ Limited critical commentary beyond basic notes
  • ✗ Some may find the selection excludes other famous plays
  • ✗ Apparatus may be too basic for advanced scholars
  • ✗ No illustrations or photographs of stage conventions
Frequently asked questions
Are these plays in Latin or English?
The plays are in the original Latin, with vocabulary and notes to aid comprehension. There is no English translation in this edition.
Is this suitable for self-study?
Yes, the facing vocabulary and notes make it accessible for independent learners with intermediate Latin skills.
Which plays are included?
Miles Gloriosus, Mostellaria, Menaechmi, Rudens, and Trinummus.
Does it include an introduction to Roman comedy?
Yes, short introductions cover Roman stage conventions and the relationship between Greek and Roman comedy.
Is this a textbook or a commentary?
It is a student edition with text, notes, and vocabulary—ideal for classroom use or self-study.

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