David Grene (1913–2002)

I was impressed to discover this translation is still in print. While these stories aren't much fun, they are the foundation upon which much was later built. They are the Orestia; Agamemnon, Libation Bearers & Eumenides. Enjoy?

I did Latin for Matric and my only exposure to classical drama was Plautus: boring is not the word and, to add insult to injury, he was supposed to be this penned these complete rip-roaring rib-ticklers. Did I ever crack a smile? I think not - except at the end of the period when the tedium was over. I don't even recall the name of the play but it doesn't matter - Plautus is uniformly unfunny, no matter how creative you try to be in your translation.

I was not disposed to enjoy classical show more drama then when I started University and had to read them for both my drama and my classics courses: I became a fan almost immediately however. So much depends on the translation and I have no hesitation of recommending Richmond Lattimore as one of the best translators of all time.

It might be regarded as a bit much to suggest that Shakespeare and Marlowe and Tourneur were all mere pale imitators of the great masters whose works they no doubt studied at school, but read this book of plays and see why I am tempted to state as much. show less

If you're a fan of the culture and/or literature of Ancient Greece, then this book is pretty much a must-read. It has five of the greatest surviving Greek tragedies from three of the most famous playwrights of the ancient world. More than that, the translations are superb and the notes, when needed to be included, are quite helpful,resulting in some of the best versions of these works that can be found anywhere. For those unfamiliar, I can also say that the stories are truly good in their show more own right, even all these centuries after they were written. show less

Although Trojan Women is not considered one of the great plays, is it my favourite of all time: Euriped is a master and Richmond Lattimore has a way with words. I was - much against my will - involved in the Rhodes University drama production of The Trojan Women in 1977: I had to attend every single rehearsal and soon became familiar with this text.

Over 30 years later I still love it and can quote sections by heart: there is nothing to compare to it or to Lattimore's translation. Having said show more that, I must take my hat off to Sophocles and his Electra which most definately IS one of the greats and contains many memorable and moving sections.

This is a wonderful collection of the best plays ever penned. show less