
Octavia
Attributed to Seneca
A. J. Boyle(Editor)
Oxford University Press
Published on 17. April 2008
Book
Hardback
432 pages
978-0-19-928784-0 (ISBN)
Description
Octavia is a work of exceptional historical and dramatic interest. It is the only surviving complete example of the Roman historical drama known as the fabula praetexta. Written shortly after Nero's death by an unknown author, the play deals with events at the court of Nero in the decisive year 62 CE, for which it is the earliest extant (almost contemporary) literary source; its main themes are sex, murder, politics, power and the perceptions and constructions of history. It is a powerful, lyrical and spectacular play. This is the first critical edition of Octavia, with verse translation and commentary, which aims to elucidate the text dramatically as well as philologically, and to locate it firmly in its historical and theatrical context. The verse translation is designed for both performance and serious study.
Reviews / Votes
Boyle has produced a fine introduction and critical aid to the Octavia which is essential reading for anyone interested in Roman drama and will surely help generate the widespread attention this fascinating play deserves. * Mairead MacAuley, Scholia Reviews * Each commentary is valuable; if used together, it's hard to imagine needing any other source of information. * Shadi Bartsch, London Review of Books *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 222 mm
Width: 145 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight
737 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-928784-0 (9780199287840)
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Schweitzer Classification
Person
A. J. Boyle is Professor of Classics, University of Southern California.
Content
INTRODUCTION ; TEXT AND TRANSLATION ; COMMENTARY