Orestes [Paperback]

Based on the conviction that only translators who write poetry themselves can properly recreate the celebrated and timeless tragedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides,The Greek Tragedy in New Translationsseries offers new translations that go beyond the literal meaning of the Greek in order to evoke the poetry of the originals. Under the editorship of Herbert Golder and the late William Arrowsmith, each volume includes a critical introduction, commentary on the text, full stage directions, and a glossary of the mythical and geographical references in the plays.
Produced more frequently on the ancient stage than any other tragedy,Orestesretells with striking innovations the story of the young man who kills his mother to avenge her murder of his father. Though eventually exonerated, Orestes becomes a fugitive from the Furies (avenging spirits) of his mother's blood. On the brink of destruction, he is saved in the end by Apollo, who had commanded the matricide. Powerful and gripping,Orestessweeps us along with a momentum that starting slowly, builds inevitably to one of the most spectacular climaxes in all Greek tragedy.

This is an admirable translation and the introduction is most useful. --Philip O'Mara,Bridgewater College

A valuable contribution for both the student and the general reader. --Library Journal

The appearance of a new translation ofOrestesis welcome....this new translation--equipped with an interesting introduction, a glossary, and notes--offers the possibility that more general readers will explore this curious yet compelling play. --Bryn Mawr Classical Review

John Peck, author of five books of poetry, is a Jungian analyst in Brattleboro, Vermont, who has taught English at Princeton University, Mt. Holyoke College, and the University of Zurich.Frank Nisetichis Professor of Classics at the University of MalC%