Octavia: Attributed to Seneca - Hardcover

Seneca (L. Annaei Senecae)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0199287848 ISBN 13: 9780199287840

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2008

Synopsis

Octavia is a work of exceptional historical and dramatic interest. It is the only surviving complete example of the Roman historical drama known as the fabula praetexta. Written shortly after Nero's death by an unknown author, the play deals with events at the court of Nero in the decisive year 62 CE, for which it is the earliest extant (almost contemporary) literary source; its main themes are sex, murder, politics, power and the perceptions and constructions of history. It is a powerful, lyrical and spectacular play. This is the first critical edition of Octavia, with verse translation and commentary, which aims to elucidate the text dramatically as well as philologically, and to locate it firmly in its historical and theatrical context. The verse translation is designed for both performance and serious study.

About this title

About the Author

A. J. Boyle is Professor of Classics, University of Southern California.

Review

Each commentary is valuable; if used together, it's hard to imagine needing any other source of information. * Shadi Bartsch, London Review of Books * Boyle has produced a fine introduction and critical aid to the Octavia which is essential reading for anyone interested in Roman drama and will surely help generate the widespread attention this fascinating play deserves. * Mairead MacAuley, Scholia Reviews *

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0199287848
• ISBN 13: 9780199287840
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 432
• Editor: A. J. Boyle