The Wasps is one of the most entertaining and characteristic comedies of Aristophanes, and the absence of fundamental difficulties in the text makes it especially suitable for newcomers to his plays. This paperback edition (replacing the hardback first published in 1971) intended for sixth form and first-degree students, as well as professional scholars, includes an introduction, a revised text, an apparatus criticus based on a fresh examination of the manuscripts, and a full commentary. Particular attention is paid to questions of performance, and to the play's outstanding comic and dramatic qualities.
Reviews
'as a first introduction to Aristophanes this lively edition will be warmly recommended. The detailed commentary is lucid and concise, witty and intelligent. MacDowell scrutinizes each problem with genuine interest and never loses sight of the stage ... Especially valuable are his notes on prosopography. The technical details of the law courts are clearly elucidated and the metrical analyses presented with elegance and good taste.' Colin Austin, Classical Review
'an outstanding edition.' K. G., The Classical Outlook
'[MacDowell] gives a lively visual impression of the successive scenes ... plenty of lively translations are provided ... Lexicographical, grammatical and historical matters are very fully considered ... A copious apparatus criticus and two comprehensive indexes complete a satisfying interpretation of what the editor justifiably calls one of the world's best comedies.' W. B. Stanford in Hermathena



Book Information
ISBN 9780198144656
Author Aristophanes
Format Paperback
Page Count 356
Imprint Clarendon Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 186mm * 123mm * 19mm