Aristophanes, one of the greatest and most important poets of the golden
age of classical Greek literature, has remained, in the English-speaking
world at least, one of the most forbidding, because least well
understood. This is a collection of critical and interpretative essays
in English devoted entirely to this poet. Addressed to specialists and
non-specialists alike, its purpose is to bring modern literary and
philological methods to bear on some aspects of Aristophanic poetry most
crucial for our understanding not only of Greek literature but of Greek
history and culture as well. The essays provide fresh insights into
three of Aristophanes' richest and most challenging plays (Acharnians,
Clouds and Lysistrate), a re-evaluation of the poet's fame as a
lyricist, and a consideration of his notoriety as an opponent of the
great war with Sparta. It is hoped that these essays will stimulate in
all students of classical antiquity renewed interest in this brilliant
and provocative poet.