Bacchae - Softcover

Euripides

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1619493187 ISBN 13: 9781619493186

Publisher: Empire Books, 2012

Synopsis

This classic tragedy from the celebrated Athenian playwright tells the story of Dionysus, the Greek god of indulgence. The play centers on his punishment of Pentheus, a Theban king who refuses to worship Dionysus and acknowledge his godly origin. Touching upon the tragic circumstances of his birth to a mortal woman and his ascent to Mount Olympus, Bacchae serves as a wonderful introduction to one of ancient Greece’s most revered gods.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

A bold new translation of Euripides' shockingly modern classic work, from Forward Prize-winning poet Robin Robertson, with a new preface by bestselling and award-winning writer, critic, and translator Daniel Mendelsohn

Thebes has been rocked by the arrival of Dionysus, the god of wine and ecstasy. Drawn by the god's power, the women of the city have rushed to worship him on the mountain, drinking and dancing with frenzied abandon.

Pentheus, the king of Thebes, is furious, denouncing this so-called god as a charlatan and an insurgent. But no mortal can deny a god, much less one as powerful and seductive as Dionysus, who will exact a terrible revenge on Pentheus, drawing the king to his own tragic destruction.

This stunning translation by award-winning poet Robin Robertson reinvigorates Euripides' masterpiece. Updating it for contemporary readers, he brings the ancient verse to fervid, brutal life, revealing a work of art as devastating and relevant today as it was in the fifth century BC.

About the Author:

Euripides (c. 480-406 B.C.E.) was the last of the three great tragedians of classical Athens. E. R. Dodds is at University of Oxford.

About this edition

• Publisher: Empire Books
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1619493187
• ISBN 13: 9781619493186
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 116