Lowell Edmunds Knihy

Focusing on the social and political context of Greek tragedies, this book presents an innovative analysis of Oedipus at Colonus through a semiotic theory of theatrical space. Lowell Edmunds explores how the Athenian revolution of 411 B.C.E. influenced the play's setting and themes. By examining the visual and spatial elements, he offers a fresh perspective on the work. The book also features an appendix detailing Sophocles' life and the play's reception, making it a vital resource for students and scholars of semiotics and Greek theater.

This monograph lays the groundwork for a new approach of the characterization of the Homeric Helen, focusing on how she is addressed and named in the Iliad and the Odyssey and especially on her epithets. Her social identity in Troy and in Sparta emerges in the words used to address and name her. Her epithets, most of them referring to her beauty or her kinship with Zeus and coming mainly from the narrator, make her the counterpart of the heroes.

Exploring the enduring impact of the Oedipus legend, the book examines its diverse interpretations and adaptations across various cultures. Edmunds highlights over seventy works that illustrate how the legend has evolved from its Greek origins to resonate in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The text delves into the reasons behind the legend's universal appeal and its role as a medium for both personal and cultural expression, showcasing how playwrights continually reinterpret this classic narrative in the context of their own literary histories.

The book explores the themes of chance and intelligence as depicted in Thucydides' historical narratives. It delves into how these elements influence human actions and decisions within the context of war and politics, providing insights into the complexities of human behavior and historical events. The analysis aims to enhance understanding of Thucydides' work and its relevance to contemporary discussions on strategy and decision-making.

Focusing on the character of Helen of Troy, this book offers a fresh perspective on traditional narratives and their intersection with myth and cult. The author, drawing from various disciplines, presents a thorough analysis that challenges conventional approaches to storytelling. With a blend of meticulous scholarship and folkloric techniques, it aims to reshape how readers understand narrative traditions. This work promises to engage not only classicists but also a broader audience interested in the evolution of storytelling.

The book offers a fresh perspective on the characterization of Helen from the Homeric texts, emphasizing the significance of her names and forms of address. It explores how these elements reflect her complex identity and role within the narratives, providing insights into her portrayal in ancient literature. By analyzing linguistic choices and their implications, the author aims to deepen the understanding of Helen's character and her impact on the themes of love, beauty, and conflict in the epic tradition.

This volume provides a guide to research in the field of Greek Myth, introducing the main questions, theories and methods related to the study of Greek Myth today. The author points out, with critical reappraisal, the key themes and ideas in recent scholarship and makes suggestions for future lines of study. Aimed at students and scholars in Classics, it will also be of interest to larger audiences in the Humanities.