Aristophanes and Athens: An Introduction to the Plays

by Douglas M. MacDowell

Aristophanes' comedies are famous for their comic characters and earthy humor. But they are also highly topical, with many contemporary political allusions easily missed today. This book provides students with a long needed accessible and essential introductory guide to the plays, focusing particularly on information about the Athens of the day.

Genres: Classics, Biography

376 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Douglas Maurice MacDowell was a British classical scholar. His early career was as a teacher, first in the British Army as part of his national service and then at two private school. He then moved into academia and was a lecturer at the University of Manchester. Finally, for thirty years, he was Professor of Greek at the University of Glasgow.

Reviews

[Mitchell Williams]

Finally got through this and was worth it! It was great to learn more about Ancient Greece Shakespeare and to feed the Classics nerd in me 🤓

[Midori]

A great introduction to the aristophanic comedies. Not only one can find a general introduction to the world of the ancient theatre but a very neat guide to each of the comedies. A highly recommendable book to all who want learn or refresh their knowledge on Aristophanes.

[Ari]

Well researched information about the works of Aristophanes. Throughout reading it I was impressed by the balance of readable and scholarly that MacDowell created.

[Gerion Sanger]

Clouds, Birds, Lysistrata and Women of the Assembly.

[Emily]

Good entry point for learning about Aristophanes' plays.