The Three Theban Plays

by Sophocles
The Three Theban Plays cover
Good Books rating 4.5
Drama
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  • ID: 4682
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781101042694
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 1984-02-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Three Theban Plays by Sophocles are among the most celebrated and enduring works of Greek tragedy, featuring the fated Theban royal family in Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Oedipus at Colonus. These plays are renowned for their lucid and powerful storytelling, with Robert Fagles' translation capturing the essence of Sophocles' dialogue, irony, and the majesty of his choruses. The Penguin Classics edition includes an introduction and notes by renowned classicist Bernard Knox, providing valuable context and insights into these timeless works. For over seventy years, Penguin has been a leading publisher of classic literature, and this edition is part of their extensive collection of over 1,700 titles. The series is trusted for its authoritative texts, enhanced by introductions and notes from distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. This edition of The Three Theban Plays is no exception, offering readers a rich and immersive experience of these iconic dramas.

Reviews
Books & Notes · 2024-04-10
Excellent 4.50

This edition serves as an excellent introduction to Sophocles, appealing to both new readers and those revisiting the plays. The translation is praised for its accessibility and contextual depth.

The reviewer highlights that this edition of The Three Theban Plays is particularly well-suited for both first-time readers and those returning to the texts. They appreciate the clear and accessible translation, which makes the plays easier to understand without losing their original depth. The reviewer also notes that the additional context provided enhances the reading experience, offering insights that might be missed in other editions. Overall, they find this edition to be a valuable resource for anyone interested in Sophocles' work.

Quick quotes

    This edition is an excellent entry point into Sophocles for both first-time readers and those revisiting the plays with more context.

    The translation is clear and accessible, making the plays easier to understand without losing their original depth.

    The additional context provided enhances the reading experience, offering insights that might be missed in other editions.

Literary Gitane · 2022-01-17
Good 4.25

The reviewer appreciates the balance between heroics and human fallibility in Sophocles' plays, particularly in the Oedipus cycle. They also value the historical and cultural context provided.

The reviewer enjoys the delicate balance Sophocles strikes between heroic ideals and human fallibility, especially in the Oedipus plays. They find this tension compelling and believe it adds depth to the characters and their struggles. Additionally, the reviewer values the historical and cultural context provided in this edition, which helps to situate the plays within their original time and place. They conclude that this collection is a worthwhile read for both its literary merit and its educational value.

Quick quotes

    In Sophocles' Oedipus plays, particularly, I enjoyed the balance-skewing-towards-tension between heroics and human fallibility.

    The historical and cultural context provided in this edition helps to situate the plays within their original time and place.

    This collection is a worthwhile read for both its literary merit and its educational value.

Lotz in Translation · 2019-08-13
Great 4.75

The review emphasizes the timeless relevance of Sophocles' plays, particularly in their exploration of human nature and fate. The translation is commended for its faithfulness to the original text.

The reviewer finds that Sophocles' The Three Theban Plays remain incredibly relevant, delving deeply into universal themes of human nature and fate. They particularly appreciate the translation's ability to stay true to the original text while making it accessible to modern readers. The reviewer also notes the powerful emotional impact of the plays, which they believe transcends time. Overall, they highly recommend this collection for its profound insights and masterful storytelling.

Quick quotes

    The Three Theban Plays remain incredibly relevant, delving deeply into universal themes of human nature and fate.

    The translation is commended for its faithfulness to the original text while making it accessible to modern readers.

    The powerful emotional impact of the plays transcends time, making them a must-read for anyone interested in classical literature.

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