The Oresteia

This edition presents The Oresteia with a new translation and critical essays, exploring its themes and historical significance in Greek tragedy.

This critical edition of The Oresteia offers a comprehensive exploration of one of ancient Greek tragedy's most significant works. Featuring Oliver Taplin's new translation of the fifth-century B.C.E. trilogy, the book delves into themes of revenge and murder within the royal family of Argos. The editors provide detailed explanatory annotations that illuminate the text, making it accessible to both scholars and general readers alike. Alongside the translation, readers will find rich ancient backgrounds and responses from notable figures such as Homer, Stesichorus, Pindar, Euripides, and Sophocles, which contextualize the play’s enduring impact on literature and philosophy.

In addition to the translation and annotations, The Oresteia includes fourteen critical essays that engage with the work from various perspectives. Esteemed thinkers such as G. W. F. Hegel and Friedrich Nietzsche, as well as contemporary scholars like Oliver Taplin and Peter Wilson, contribute to a diverse range of interpretations and analyses. This collection not only enhances understanding of the trilogy but also encourages readers to consider its relevance in modern discourse.

Furthermore, a Glossary of Technical Terms and Proper Names is provided, alongside a Selected Bibliography for further reading. This Norton Critical Edition serves as an essential resource for anyone interested in the complexities of Greek tragedy and its significance in the broader context of Western literature.