Oxford World's Classics: Plautus: Four Comedies: The Braggart Soldier; The Brothers Menaechmus; The Haunted House; The Pot of Gold

Plautus was the single greatest influence on Western comedy. Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors and Molière's The Miser are two subsequent classics directly based on Plautine originals. Plautus himself borrowed from the Greeks, but his jokes, rapid dialogue, bawdy humour, and irreverent characterizations are the original work of an undisputed genius. The comedies printed here show him at his best, and professor Segal's translations keep their fast, rollicking pace intact, making these the most readable and actable versions available. His introduction considers Plautus'place in ancient comedy, examines his continuing influence, and celebrates his power to entertain. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Plautus was the single greatest influence on Western comedy. In fact, Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors and Moliere's the Miser are two subsequent classics directly based on Plautine originals. Plautus himself borrowed from the Greeks, but his jokes, rapid dialogue, bawdy humor, and irreverent characterizations are the original work of an undisputed genius. The comedies printed here show him at his best, and Professor Segal's translations keep their fast, rollicking pace intact, making these the most readable and actable versions available. This volume includes, The Braggart Soldier, e Brothers Menaechmus, The Haunted House, and The Pot of Gold.

About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

The first professional playwright in history, Plautus was the creator of racy, raucous, very funny plays that will make modern audiences laugh as much as the first Romans did. Plautus was the single greatest influence on Western comedy. Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors and Moliere's The Miser are two subsequent classics directly based on Plautine originals. Plautus himself borrowed from the Greeks, but his jokes, rapid dialogue, bawdy humour, and irreverent characterizations are the original work of an undisputed genius. The comedies printed here show him at his best, and Professor Segal's translations keep their fast, rollicking pace intact, making these the most readable and actable versions available. His Introduction considers Plautus' place in ancient comedy, examines his continuing influence, and celebrates his power to entertain. Cover Series Page Title Page Copyright Page Dedication PREFACE TO THE OXFORD EDITION CONTENTS INTRODUCTION The Comic Background Enter Plautus The Theatre and its Audience Plautine Comedy: Setting, Style, and Characters The Braggart Soldier The Brothers Menaechmus The Haunted House The Pot of Gold NOTE ON THE TRANSLATIONS AND THE TEXT Miles Menaechmi Mostellaria SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY THE BRAGGART SOLDIER DRAMATIS PERSONAE THE BRAGGART SOLDIER THE BROTHERS MENAECHMUS DRAMATIS PERSONAE THE BROTHERS MENAECHMUS THE HAUNTED HOUSE DRAMATIS PERSONAE THE HAUNTED HOUSE THE POT OF GOLD DRAMATIS PERSONAE THE POT OF GOLD EXPLANATORY NOTES THE BRAGGART SOLDIER THE BROTHERS MENAECHMUS THE HAUNTED HOUSE THE POT OF GOLD