Rating: 
Summary: Wonders are many...
Review: "Antigone" is one of the 5 greatest plays in Western literature, and from this beautiful translation, it is easy to see why. The language absolutely captures each dramatic moment, from the first confrontation between Antigone and Creon, to the warnings of Ismene, to the callous indifference of the guards, to the immortal Hymn to Man chorus. Additionally, Knox's introduction is superb. If anyone has any doubt what is meant by "the glory that was Greece," read this wonderful volume from cover to cover--twice.
Rating:
Summary: "Not of today, or yesterday is their authority ..."
Review: First stop for drama lovers. These are uniquely remarkable plays that have obviously stood the test of time (2,500 years and counting) though, sadly, are often muddled in the mythology of their source. They are based on Theban myths already old when Sophocles adapted them and are unified only in their focus on the family of Oedipus, and in their temporal economy: there is no legendary "cycle". But they remain, as individual works, mesmeric. Plato, who would banish dramatists from his perfect Republic, went easy on Sophocles alone, Aristotle crowned him, Milton, Samuel Johnson, Yeats and Pound adored him, Shelley died with a Sophoclean text in his pocket. What precisely accounts for this magic? The answer is the obvious: there is a universality in themes - from politics of the state to the male-female dynamic, from mortality to divinity - despatched with a rhythm and speed prophetic of modern drama. Here's where Robert Fagles' brilliance shines: in his wit of interpretation, and the modern energy of the lines. Through the 19th century the performance of these plays (only seven of an estimated 120 survive) was banned in England on moral grounds: it is fascinating to behold the muddy turn of the cultural wheel, and measure unstoppable genius against fashion.
Rating: 
Summary: I understand its old, but... eee...
Review: I didnt like these plays at all. I understand the Greek style of comedy and these weren't written last year, but nonetheless it seems like it were written for some teen film.The dry humor Sophocles uses was traditional for his time, and what was a hit in the Greek theater, but its so dated. I wouldnt read this book just to read as a novel and enjoy it, I wouldnt anyway. It just annoys me so much to Sophocles write such trashy humor. I dont recommend it, unless you're a fan of Greek theater (which I am not) but in that case, its quite excellent. However, if you are a fan of theater in general, i dont think that you'll be overall pleased.
Rating:
Summary: I understand its old, but... eee...
Review: I didnt like these plays at all. I understand the Greek style of comedy and these weren't written last year, but nonetheless it seems like it were written for some teen film. The dry humor Sophocles uses was traditional for his time, and what was a hit in the Greek theater, but its so dated. I wouldnt read this book just to read as a novel and enjoy it, I wouldnt anyway. It just annoys me so much to Sophocles write such trashy humor. I dont recommend it, unless you're a fan of Greek theater (which I am not) but in that case, its quite excellent. However, if you are a fan of theater in general, i dont think that you'll be overall pleased.
Rating:
Summary: Hallowed ancestor to Hollywood??
Review: I just saw the 1957 film of Oedipus Rex. Wo - ow. What a story.
And this translation by Robert Fagles is extremely good. Sophocles' drama is so simple, and so perfect, that it will probably never be forgotten! This is the ancestor to Hollywood - from 2500 years ago. THRILL to the dramatic exposition of Oedipus' unknowing sins! LAUGH at the gorgeous double-entendres in every second line! SHUDDER at the scene where Oedipus and Jocasta think they have the prophecy licked, and laugh at the gods! This is fine drama, no mistake. I have not yet read the other two Theban plays in this volume, but I'm sure they're great too. Oh by the way: Australian readers take note. The cover of the Aussie edition has no fewer than EIGHT typing and setting errors! "Robert Eagles??" "Thebian Plays??" I see from Amazon that the American edition is corrected. But Australian readers should take note. I don't know, maybe someone accidentally submitted a draft?
To make sure you have the right edition, read the spine. The stuffed-up version says "THEBIAN PLAYS"...ooer.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing Translation
Review: I'm a great fan of Robert Fagles, and by no means does he let the reader down with this adaptation of Sophocle's triumvirate masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent translation
Review: In my Grade 12 English class, we studied both Oedipus Rex and Antigone. However, the translation we used was markedly inferior to this one, which I found halfway through the course in a used book store. Fagles has managed to retain Sophocles's original spirit while using modern English idioms and grammar. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 
Summary: Better than Iiliad
Review: It was ok but was not my favorite...
Rating:
Summary: Oedipus and friends
Review: Oedipus the king is great, Antigone is good too. I'm not read Oedipus at colonus. The greeks did it as good as any modern writer, even shakespeare.
Rating:
Summary: Oedipus and friends
Review: Oedipus the king is great, Antigone is good too. I'm not read Oedipus at colonus. The greeks did it as good as any modern writer, even shakespeare.
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