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The Oresteia

Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, The Eumenides
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( 45,904 ratings, 2,063 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Oresteia by Aeschylus is a trilogy of Greek tragedies that follow the story of the House of Atreus. It begins with King Agamemnon's return from the Trojan War and explores themes of justice, revenge, and the eventual transformation from personal vendetta to a system of organised law. Set in a world governed by gods and fate, the plays reflect on the transition from chaos to civilisation.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this classic trilogy if you're drawn to tales of vengeance, justice and the complexities of human nature. It's a powerful exploration of themes like moral responsibility and the struggle between old and new societal orders, delivered through captivating and intense storytelling. Perfect for those who appreciate ancient Greek drama or works that delve into the intricacies of family dynamics and fate.

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A king's decision to sacrifice his daughter and turn the tide of war inflicts lasting damage on his family, culminating in a terrible act of retribution.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In The Oresteia—the only trilogy in Greek drama which survives from antiquity—Aeschylus took as his subject the bloody chain of murder and revenge within the royal family of Argos.

Moving from darkness to light, from rage to self-governance, from primitive ritual to civilized institution, its spirit of struggle and regeneration is eternal.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A recent translation of The Oresteia has been praised for conveying the timeless power of this classic work more vividly than others. It is seen as a triumph in modern translation, capturing both the Greek essence and the profound genius of Aeschylus, allowing contemporary readers to appreciate its grandeur and depth.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140443332

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 29 September 1977

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Robert Fagles
  • Edited by W. Stanford

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 229g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Aeschylus was born of noble family near Athens in 525 BC. He took part in the Persian Wars, adn his epitahp represents him as fighting at Marathon. He wrote more than seventy plays, of which only seven have survived.

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