Casina, Amphitryon, Captivi, Pseudolus: Four Plays

by Plautus, David Christenson (Editor)

This anthology contains English translations of four plays by one of the best practitioners of Roman comedy, Plautus. The plays Casina, Amphitryon, Captivi and Pseudolus provide an introduction to the world of Roman comedy. As with all Focus translations, the emphasis is on a handsomely produced, inexpensive, readable edition that is close to the original, with an extensive introduction, notes and appendices.

Genres: Classics, Drama

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 185

About the author

Titus Maccius Plautus (c. 254 – 184 BC), commonly known as Plautus, was a Roman playwright of the Old Latin period. His comedies are the earliest works in Latin literature to have survived in their entirety. He wrote Palliata comoedia, the genre devised by the innovator of Latin literature, Livius Andronicus. The word Plautine refers to both Plautus's own works and works similar to or influenced by his.

Reviews

[Petruccio Hambasket IV]

"It's all over for me Now! Stuck between the sacrificial victim and the knife.." - Captivi (pg.174)

A solid bundle of comedies accompanied in harmony with a solid translation (if at times dry). Of course everyone likes 'Pseudolus' with the title slaves wild, off the cuff escapes, but I think the real winner in this somewhat random collection is 'Amphitryon'. Amphitryon is the only comedy by Plautus where the everyday ordinary members of society are directly interacting with the gods, not only that but it's interesting to note the gods themselves are being represented through the text in a way that society back then would seem to regard as completely twisted. In almost all Greek (reworked) literature mortals can in no way interfere with divine will, but with this play it is presented as something not high and disengaged but quite in your face and often purposely malicious, tricky, and with the example of Zeus quite possibly immoral.

If you like Plautus this is one to pick up, the translation does not take any unnecessary liberties and follows the Latin pretty closely. Helpful footnotes too.

[Tallulah]

If Plautus has zero fans then I am dead. This is a great translation, too!

[Emma Noone]

I've had the pleasure of having Christenson as my professor and I read this for class. It's been wonderful discussing these plays in depth and it's great when he explains why he translated words a certain way. I loved all four plays, but my favorite was Pseudolus (obviously). Now I kind of miss Latin!

[Tim]

Great translations. Christenson's 21st century updates to the language are fun but show the proper amount of restraint to preserve the intentions of the original works.

[Teddy]

We read/acted this out today in honor of the Birthday of the City of Rome. So much fun. :)