Description: An accessible introduction which discusses this influential play's themes, historical context and modern critical responses, and includes a history of its performance and adaptation.
Brief description: Niall W. Slater is S. C. Dobbs Professor of Latin and Greek in the Department of Classics at Emory University, USA.
Review Quotes:
"All in all, this book is a serious, informed, and nuanced study of Euripides' Alcestis, which shows that it is still possible to say something new and important on this most crowded of topics, and to do so with eloquence and lucidity." --Andreas Markantonatos, University of the Peloponnese, Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"Niall Slater provides a superb discussion of one of the most complex and mysterious of all Greek plays. His strong scholarly background and genuine understanding of theatrical texts and performances allow him to weigh various readings of the script in a broad historical and theatrical context; his discussion of the play's reception is especially strong. This clearly organized and beautifully written commentary offers riches to readers at all levels." --Mary-Kay Gamel, University of California Santa Cruz, USA "This expertly written new volume in the series, provides a clear and engaging discussion of one of the most intriguing of the ancient Greek tragedies. Niall Slater situates this fascinating play both thematically and dramaturgically within its Athenian context as well as within the context of Greek drama. Not only will students of Greek tragedy benefit greatly from Slater's accessible analysis of this unusual play, but from his detailed, informative, and insightful treatment of Alcestis' afterlife as well." --Hanna Roisman, Professor of Classics, Colby College, USA