The Three Theban Plays Antigone; Oedipus the King; Oedipus at Colonus

by Sophocle; Fagles, Robert; Knox, Bernard

• ISBN13: 9780140444254
• ISBN10: 0140444254
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781101042694
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1984-02-07
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Three Theban Plays: Antigone, Oedipus the King, Oedipus at Colonus

The Three Theban Plays by Sophocles is a collection of three ancient Greek tragedies that have captivated audiences for centuries. This Penguin Classics edition, translated by Robert Fagles and introduced by Bernard Knox, offers a timeless exploration of the human condition.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and educators in classical literature and drama courses at the high school and college levels. It's also a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the foundational works of Greek tragedy, including professionals in the humanities and theater arts.

History and Editions

The Three Theban Plays have been around for over 2,400 years, with the original plays written in the fifth century B.C. This Penguin Classics edition, published in 1984, is a widely acclaimed translation that retains all of Sophocles' lucidity and power. The book has been a staple in educational institutions for decades, providing a detailed exploration of the fated Theban royal family and their tragic stories.

Author and Other Works

Sophocles (496-405 B.C.) was a renowned Greek playwright who wrote over a hundred plays. He was born at Colonus, just outside Athens, and his long life spanned the rise and decline of the Athenian Empire. Sophocles was a friend of Pericles and held several public offices, both military and civil. He won the City Dionysia eighteen times, though only seven of his tragedies have survived to this day.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780140444254
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication Date: February 7, 1984
• Pages: 432
• Dimensions: 5.04 x 7.64 x 0.76 inches
• Age Range: 18 Years

Other Editions and Formats

While this specific edition is widely recognized, it's worth noting that there might be other translations or adaptations available. However, the ISBN provided is the most commonly referenced for this particular Penguin Classics edition.

Related ISBNs:

• Hardcover: N/A (This edition is primarily available in paperback)
• E-book: N/A (Although e-book formats may exist, they are not widely documented under this specific ISBN)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Publication Date: February 7, 1984
• Number of Pages: 432
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 1 pound (based on standard paperback dimensions)
• Dimensions: 5.04 x 7.64 x 0.76 inches

Key Features

• Comprehensive Coverage: The book covers core concepts in Greek tragedy, including detailed explanations and examples.
• Timeless Themes: The plays explore universal themes such as fate, identity, and the human condition.
• Authoritative Translation: Robert Fagles's translation is renowned for its accuracy and clarity.
• Historical Context: The introduction by Bernard Knox provides valuable historical context and insights into the plays.

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for The Three Theban Plays, making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Translator's Preface	11	(2)
Greece and the Theater	13	(20)
SOPHOCLES: THE THREE THEBAN PLAYS
Introduction to Antigone	33	(22)
Antigone	55	(100)
Introduction to Oedipus the King	129	(26)
Oedipus the King	155	(124)
Introduction to Oedipus at Colonus	253	(26)
Oedipus at Colonus	279	(110)
A Note on the Text of Sophocles	389	(4)
Textual Variants	393	(2)
Notes on the Translation	395	(26)
Antigone	395	(10)
Oedipus the King	405	(9)
Oedipus at Colonus	414	(7)
Select Bibliography	421	(4)
The Genealogy of Oedipus	425	(2)
Glossary	427