Aristophanes' Lysistrata (Translated, with Introduction & Notes)

Henderson’s English translation of Lysistrata, the most popular of Aristophanes' plays, appeals to the modern reader because of its lively and imaginative plot, strong and memorable heroine, good jokes, and appeal for peace and tolerance between nations and between the sexes. Jeffrey Henderson, noted Greek scholar, puts the work in historical and cultural context in his comprehensive introduction. Suggestions for further reading, notes, and map are also included. This Focus Classical Library translation of Lysistrata has been staged numerous times.

"Henderson’s Lysistrata is lively, cheerfully vulgar, and genuinely funny . . ."

­— Philip Holt, The Classical Outlook

The Focus Classical Library is dedicated to providing modern students with the best of Classical literature in contemporary translations with notes and introductions to provide access to the culture and context at the roots of contemporary thought.

Dr. Jeffrey Henderson is the William Goodwin Aurelio Professor of Greek at Boston University. He is the author of groundbreaking translations and articles on Greek comic dramatists. His other translations for Focus Classical Library include Aristophanes: Frogs (2008), Aristophanes: Acharnians 2e (1992), Aristophanes:Clouds (1993), Aristophanes: Three Comedies: Acharnians, Lysistrata, Clouds (1997), and Aristophanes: Birds (1999).

Map of Ancient Greece and Environs 3

Introduction 5

Aristophanes and Old Comedy 5

Lysistrata, and the Events of 411 10

Production 15

General Bibliography 17

Suggestions for Further Reading 18

Theater of Dionysos 19

Lysistrata 21