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A collection of classic comedies featuring Aristophanes’ signature style and satirical tone. The Frogs and Other Plays is a seamless blend of Greek mythology, politics and humor. Each story uses a distinct approach to help address a variety of social topics such as misogyny, war, entertainment and higher learning.
About the author
Aristophanes (446–386 BCE) was a Greek comedy writer, who produced about 40 plays throughout his career. His work was the embodiment of “Old Comedy”—an early form of the genre that used exaggerated characters and scenarios. Aristophanes’ first play, The Banqueters, was produced in 427 BCE, quickly followed by The Babylonians. His most famous production, Lysistrata, was initially performed in 411 BCE and centers on one woman’s attempt to end a war by holding a sex strike. Due to his sensationalized plots and vibrant characters, Aristophanes is considered one of the architects of Greek comedy.
Summary
The Frogs follows interpersonal conflicts between men and women, Greek gods, and the natural and supernatural. Using extraordinary circumstances, the author provides commentary on multiple public figures spanning religion, politics and literature.
The Frogs is one of Aristophanes’ most notable works. The story centers on Dionysus, the god of fertility and wine, who’s also known as a patron of the arts. In an effort to restore Greek tragedy to its former glory, Dionysus travels to the underworld to bring the late playwright Euripides back to life. While on this mission he encounters other prominent figures such as Aeschylus, the “Father of Tragedy,” and Heracles, the Greek demigod.
Aristophanes’ work is filled with biting humor and colorful commentary that has stood the test of time. Unlike his peers, a portion of his plays (11 out of 40) survived his death and remain fully intact. The Frogs offers a glimpse into the impressive catalog that made Aristophanes one of the greatest playwrights of his era.
With an eye-catching new cover, and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of The Frogs is both modern and readable.
