Six Tragedies (Oxford World's Classics)
ISBN 9780192807069
Here is a lively, readable, and accurate verse translation of the six best plays by one of the most influential of all classical Latin writers--the only tragic playwright from ancient Rome whose work survives. Tutor to the emperor Nero, Seneca lived through uncertain, oppressive, and violent times, and his dramas depict the extremes of human behavior. Rape, suicide, child-murder, incestuous love, madness, and mutilation afflict the characters, who are obsessed and destroyed by their feelings. Seneca forces us to think about the difference between compromise and hypocrisy, about what happens when emotions overwhelm judgment, and about how a person can be good, calm, or happy in a corrupt society and under constant threat of death. In addition to her superb translation, Emily Wilson provides an invaluable introduction which offers a succinct account of Seneca's life and times, his philosophical beliefs, the literary form of the plays, and their immense influence on European literature. The book also includes an up-to-date bibliography and explanatory notes which identify mythological allusions.
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.
Return & Refund
Books: Return within 7 days for store credit, excluding shipping costs.
Non-Book Items:
- In-Person Purchases: Store credit or exchange within 14 days.
- Online Purchases: Full refund within 14 days (shipping excluded).
Exceptions: Textbooks, course packs, and lab manuals are final sale unless a class is dropped within the first 4 weeks from the start of the term with proof of dropping the class.
All Returns: Items must be in original condition with tags/packaging. A receipt is required for in-person refunds.
Read our full Return and Refund Policy.
Shipping & Pickup
- Most in-stock items are processed and shipped through USPS within 72 hours (excluding weekends and holidays) after receiving your order confirmation email. You will receive another notification when your order has shipped.
- Shipping charges and estimated delivery times will be calculated and displayed at checkout based on the weight of your order and the destination.
- Pickup from 939 Lexington Avenue is available for most in-stock items.
- Read our full Shipping Policy.