In these new translations Meineck and Woodruff have struck a near-ideal balance between accuracy and readability, formality and colloquialism. Their versions are simply a pleasure to read, conveying with remarkable vividness the powerful characterizations and poetic variety of the originals. The addition of succinct but illuminating notes makes this an exemplary volume for anyone interested in Sophocles' dramatic art. --Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, Department of Classics, Wesleyan University
[T]his sequel to the same pair's well-received translation of the Theban plays hits an appropriate mean . . . a text that I could happily adopt for teaching. --Malcolm Heath in Greece and Rome
Meineck and Woodruff's new annotated translations of Sophocles' Ajax, Women of Trachis, Electra, and Philoctetes combine the same standards of accuracy, concision, clarity, and powerful speech that have so often made their Theban Plays a source of epiphany in the classroom and of understanding in the theatre. Woodruff's Introduction offers a brisk and stimulating discussion of central themes in Sophoclean drama, the life of the playwright, staging issues, and each of the four featured plays. "In these new translations Meineck and Woodruff have struck a near-ideal balance between accuracy and readability, formality and colloquialism. Their versions are simply a pleasure to read, conveying with remarkable vividness the powerful characterizations and poetic variety of the originals. The addition of succinct but illuminating notes makes this an exemplary volume for anyone interested in Sophocles' dramatic art."
--Andrew Szegedy-Maszak, Department of Classics, Wesleyan University
Critical Acclaim for the Meineck and Woodruff Theban Plays:
"This edition of the Theban Plays is bound to excite . . . The translations and the quality and directness of Woodruff's discussions are enough to ensure that."
--James Robson, The Joint Association of Classical Teachers Review
"Presents a readable, clear translation with the assistance students will need to understand these plays and the society that produced them. A worthy addition to Hackett's growing series of translations of classical literature in accessible editions."
--Anne Mahoney, The New England Classical Journal
"[Meineck and Woodruff] succeed admirably, and I would not hesitate to teach from or to direct from these translations."
--Amy R. Cohen, The Bryn Mawr Classical Review
"These eminently readable translations have real potential for teaching."
--Eleanor OKell, The Classical Review
Peter Meineck is Artistic Director of the Aquila Theatre Company and Clinical Assistant Professor of Classics and Ancient Studies, New York University.
Paul Woodruff is Professor of Philosophy and Classics, University of Texas at Austin.
About the Author
Peter Meineck is Founder of Aquila Theatre and Associate Professor of Classics, New York University.
Paul Woodruff is Professor of Philosophy, University of Texas at Austin.
