Oedipus Tyrannos: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions)

Book Synopsis: “A brilliant new edition and translation! Wilson gives us an eminently contemporary version of Sophocles’ play, whose tonalities have one ear pitched to the stateliness of the ancient Greek and another to a terse English vernacular. With an introduction that condenses a long tradition of commentary into a highly readable form and a set of critical essays that captures the timelessness of Sophocles’ play, Wilson gives us an Oedipus Tyrannos that will be not only superb for use in the classroom but stimulating for a wide audience looking to become more familiar with one of the world’s masterpieces.” —Michelle Zerba, Louisiana State University

Emily Wilson’s superb translation of Sophocles’ best-known play, accompanied by her engaging introduction, translator’s note, and explanatory footnotes. Comparative ancient sources that provide insight into the many different approaches to the Oedipus myth, inviting readers to see what is distinctive about Sophocles’ approach. These nine sources are followed by the final scene of Rita Dove’s modern verse tragedy, The Darker Face of the Earth, which follows closely the plot of Oedipus Tyrannos. Critical essays by Froma I. Zeitlin, Edith Hall, Eric Dugdale, Kirk Ormand, Joshua D. Sosin, Martha C. Nussbaum, Michael Andrew Kicey, and Teresa M. Danze, focusing on the play’s central themes. A chronology of Sophocles’ life and work and suggestions for further reading.

About the Series

Read by more than 12 million students over fifty-five years, Norton Critical Editions set the standard for apparatus that is right for undergraduate readers. The three-part format—annotated text, contexts, and criticism—helps students to better understand, analyze, and appreciate the literature, while opening a wide range of teaching possibilities for instructors. Whether in print or in digital format, Norton Critical Editions provide all the resources students need.

“For the enjoyment and appreciation of Sophocles’ most celebrated tragedy, one can do no better. Complemented by a curated selection of comparative sources and highlights of modern scholarly insights, this timely edition presents the Oedipus Tyrannos in context and gives us a poem that speaks powerfully to our time.” —Bill Beck, Indiana University

“The Norton Critical Edition of Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannos offers an ideal introduction to the most famous and influential of all Greek tragedies. Emily Wilson’s translation is fluid and compelling, and the surrounding materials present a wealth of information and insight suited both to new and more experienced readers.” —Joshua Billings, Princeton University

“Oedipus Tyrannos is the first Greek play many readers encounter, and this version is their ideal gateway. Emily Wilson’s verse line is effortlessly graceful, whether in taut, tense dialogue exchanges or in the lyrical choral odes. The notes she supplies are a banquet on which both newcomers and scholars will feast, and her selection of comparative and critical texts makes a wonderfully rich dessert course.” —James Romm, Rowan University