The Plays and Fragments

This new translation of The Plays and Fragments by Menander brings to life the essence of Greek New Comedy, highlighting its lasting impact on European humor.

Menander, the most prominent figure in Greek New Comedy, is often regarded as the founding father of European comedy. His works, which date back to around 341-290 BC, include over one hundred plays, though only one complete play along with various substantial fragments have survived the test of time. The new verse translation of The Plays and Fragments offers an accurate and highly readable rendition, piecing together the narrative from the surviving words found in damaged papyri. This translation aims to provide a seamless reading experience while preserving the essence of Menander's original works.

Menander's influence on comedy is profound, with his themes and character archetypes echoing through the ages. From Ralph Roister Doister to What the Butler Saw, and from Henry Fielding to P. G. Wodehouse, many comedic motifs can be traced back to his plays. Before the discovery of papyri in the early 20th century, Menander was primarily known through short quotations found in ancient texts. However, significant finds in Egypt have revealed more fragments, culminating in the publication of his complete play, The Bad-Tempered Man (Dyskolos), in 1958.

His romantic comedies delve into the lives of everyday Athenian families, establishing a lineage that connects Roman comedy to modern English comedy, spanning from the Renaissance to contemporary times. This new translation not only brings Menander's work to a broader audience but also contributes to the ongoing appreciation of his legacy. The Plays and Fragments is part of the Oxford World's Classics series, which has dedicated over a century to making global literature accessible and enriching for readers.