The importance of Aeschylus in the development of the drama is immense. Before him tragedy had consisted of the chorus and one actor; and by introducing a second actor, expanding the dramatic dialogue thus made possible, and reducing the lyrical parts, he practically created Greek tragedy, as we understand it. Like other writers of his time, he acted in his own plays, and trained the chorus in their dances and songs; and he did much to give impressiveness to the performances by his development of the accessories of scene and costume on the stage. Of the seventy or eighty plays which he is said to have written, only seven survive: The Suppliant Maidens,  on the daughters of Danaüs; The Persians,  dealing with the defeat of Xerxes at Salamis; The Seven against Thebes,  part of a tetra logy on the legend of Thebes; Prometheus Bound,  part of a trilogy, of which the first part was probably Prometheus, the Fire-bringer,  and the last, Prometheus Unbound;  and the Oresteia (The House of Atreus),  the only example of a complete Greek tragic trilogy which has come down to us, consisting of Agamemnon, Choephorae (The Libation-Bearers),  and the Eumenides (The Furies).  The Oresteian trilogy on The House of Atreus is one of the supreme productions of all literature. It deals with the two great themes of the retribution of crime and the inheritance of evil; and here a parallel may be found between the assertions of the justice of God by Aeschylus and by the Hebrew prophet Ezekiel. The nobility of thought and the majesty of style with which these ideas are set forth give this triple drama its place at the head of the literary masterpieces of the antique world.

Aeschylus - Seven Plays (The Greek Classics)

Literature & Fiction

ÆSchylus

Dramas & Plays

El Paso Norte Pr

Aristophanes, the great Greek Comedian, wrote perhaps forty comedies of which only the eleven presented here have survived. Renowned in his own time as a master of wit and satire, Aristophanes' comedies are almost modern in their irreverent look at, what was then, contemporary society. No subject was too elevated for Aristophanes' critical insight and sharp barbs. He poked fun at pomposity and posturing wherever he found it. These eleven comedies are a treasury of bawdy humor that still irks straight-laced moralists. Included in this volume are all eleven of Aristophanes existing plays: The Knights: 424 B.C. Attacks the political leader Cleon and his war policy. The Acharnians: 426 B.C. Satirizes the war and makes fun of Euripides. Peace: 422 B.C. The same theme which enlarges on the blessings of Peace Lysistrata: 411 B.C. A burlesque conspiracy by the women to force a peace. The Clouds: 423 B.C. Satirizes Socrates, the Sophists and the New Education. The Wasps: 422 B.C. Makes fun of the Athenian passion for litigation. The Birds: 414 B.C. Describes a new and improved city, Cloud-cuckoo-town. The Frogs: 405 B.C. A satire on Euripides and the New Tragedy. The Thesmophoriazusae: 412 B.C. Another literary satire of Euripides. The Ecclesiazusae: 392 B.C. Pokes fun at ideal Utopias, like Plato's Republic. Plutus: 408 and 388 B.C. A whimsical allegory more than a regular comedy. These plays formed the foundation of the art form of the satire; using humor to make a political or philosophical point at the expense of those persons and institutions too powerful to be directly attacked. They stand as an amusing monument to the ingenuity and wit of the Ancient Greeks.

Aristophanes - Eleven Plays (The Greek Classics)

Aristophanes

In the time of Euripides, Greek drama reached the zenith of its glory when the works of the great classic triad - Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides - followed each other in rapid succession. As partial evidence, presented here are the surviving nineteen plays of Euripides. 
Euripides was a voluminous writer, the number of his plays being variously stated at from seventy-five to ninety-two, including several satyric dramas. Of these nineteen have survived, with numerous fragments of others, though many of his best works have been lost and more have suffered from interpolations. It now is widely believed that the play Rhesus, which has long been ascribed to Euripides, was probably the work of some other, lesser-know dramatist. 
For the tragedians of later times Euripides was the absolute model and pattern, and equally so for the poets of the new comedy. Diphilus called him the "Golden Euripides," and Philemon went so far as to say, with some extravagance, "If the dead, as some assert, have really consciousness, then would I hang myself to see Euripides." He had warm admirers in Alexander the Great and the Stoic Chrysippus, who quoted him regularly in several of his works. Among the Romans, too, he was held in high esteem, serving as a model for tragedy. 
Still today, the works of Euripides are variously regarded and continue to be the source of much critical debate. In centuries to come, this will most likely continue and, in itself, will serve to insure the lasting fame of Euripides.

Euripides - Nineteen Plays (The Greek Classics)

Eurípides

Sophocles (495-406 B.C.E.), the Greek tragic poet, was born at Colonus in the neighborhood of Athens. The time of his death is fixed by the allusions to it in the Frogs of Aristophanes and in the Muses, which were both produced in 405 B.C., shortly before the capture of Athens. The event of Sophocles life most fully authenticated is his appointment at the age of fifty-five as one of the generals who served with Pericles. 
The seven extant tragedies probably owe their preservation to some selection made for educational purposes in Alexandrian times. No example of the poet's earliest manner has come down to us. His minor poems, elegies, paeans, etc., have all perished; and of his hundred and odd dramas only seven remain: Antigone, Ajax, Oedipus Rex, Electra, The Trachinian Women, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus. 
The final estimate of Sophoclean tragedy must largely depend upon the mode in which his treatment of destiny is conceived. Sophocles is often praised for skilful construction. But the secret of his skill depends in large measure on the profound way in which the central situation in each of his fables has been conceived and felt. Concentration is the distinguishing note of tragedy, and it is by greater concentration that Sophocles is distinguished from other tragic poets.

Sophocles - Seven Plays (The Greek Classics)

SOPHOCLES

Herein are contained the sardonic definitions published by Ambrose Bierce as The Cynic's Word Book in 1906; augmented, edited and republished by the illustrious author in 1911 as The Devil's Dictionary. Unlike other editions which modify, tone down and make moronic additions to Bierce's original Devil's Dictionary, presented here are the complete contents of the 1911 edition without deletions, modifications or embellishments, of any kind, which might diminish the impact of the original politically incorrect collection; hence, the redundantly worded description of this volume as "Complete and Unabridged". This editorial license would surely have caused Bierce to go ballistic if he were still alive. Ambrose Bierce was an extraordinary individual: a veteran of the American Civil War, renowned writer, political pundit, social commentator and, in many ways, a philosopher who was ahead of his time. His mysterious disappearance, in 1914 during the Mexican Revolution, was the subject of the movie: Old Gringo. Shortly before he vanished, he wrote to a friend: "Good-bye - if you hear of my being stood up against a Mexican stone wall and shot to rags please know that I think that is a pretty good way to depart this life. It beats old age, disease, or falling down the cellar stairs. To be a Gringo in Mexico - ah, that is euthanasia". His own definition of cynic suited him well: "CYNIC, n. A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be. Hence the custom among the Scythians of plucking out a cynic's eyes to improve his vision."

The Devil's Dictionary

Humor & Entertainment

Ambrose, Bierce

Humor

This collectible edition of "The Art of War" presents Sun Tzu's timeless instructions regarding military strategy and managing conflict in two complete versions. A modern introduction, tracing the origins of "The Art of War" and its historical and cultural importance, firmly grounds the reader in the context with which this oldest of military treatises has survived the ages, as well as contemporary examples of its continued use. The first part contains "The Art of War" in English, without notes or commentary. This allows the reader to understand the teachings of Sun Tzu, without the distraction of footnotes or excessive comments. This newly revised translation is succinct and very easy to read. The second part contains the complete annotated translation by Lionel Giles, along with his definitive critical commentary and supplemental information from a broad range of sources. Written during the Victorian era, Giles' 1910 "Introduction" has also been included, containing the legend of Sun Tzu and The Army of Concubines. Although written in the 6th century BCE, the teachings of Sun Tzu are still found today in the martial arts, legal doctrine, military schools, management seminars and pervasively throughout popular culture.

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

History

SUN, TZU

Military

"The Art of War" was written in the 6th century BCE by a legendary Chinese general named Sun Tzu. As part of the "Seven Military Classics" of ancient China, the teachings of Sun Tzu have influenced both Eastern philosophy and the martial arts.  Even today, "The Art of War" is still the most influential book on the subject of military strategy in the world, studied by modern politicians, executives, and military leaders.  The book has influenced Napoleon, and even the planning of Operation Desert Storm. Leaders as diverse as Mao Zedong and General Douglas MacArthur claimed to have drawn inspiration from the work.

Business & Money

Management & Leadership

With "The Prince", Machiavelli made his name synonymous with intrigue and cunning for all time. His instructions to the Prince, on achieving and maintaining power, by any and all means available, became the archetypical philosophy of The Ends Justify The Means.  Machiavelli advocated that political expediency supersedes morality and that success, by any means, is its own justification. His cold, calculating logic sweeps aside and dismisses all arguments against the use of every manner of deceit and dishonesty for a ruler to achieve his ends on the basis that those ends, once achieved, are, in themselves, sufficient justification.  Not only does Machiavelli make philosophical arguments for his viewpoint, he gives numerous practical examples of behavior, which are generally considered to be both ruthless and invariably successful. For nearly 500 years, politicians of all stripes have found that in ignoring Machiavelli's views they become easy prey to those who are willing to employ Machiavellian methods.  Machiavelli is considered by many to be the Father of Modern Political Theory. His influence has been immense and his writings, particularly "The Prince", will undoubtedly continue to influence many generations to come.

The Prince

Politics & Social Sciences

Niccolò, Machiavelli

Philosophy

"1001 Arabian Nights" is a beloved collection of folk tales and other stories. It is often known in English as "Arabian Nights," from the first English language edition (1706), which named the title, "Arabian Nights Entertainments."  Originally, there were 12 volumes published, totaling more than 2,000 pages.  This full sized paperback edition has been restored for a modern audience, and contains the 3 most popular and well known sagas from Arabian Nights, including the complete "Seven Voyages of Sindbad," "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp," as well as "Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves".  Excerpt from The Fifth Voyage of Sindbad Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved  Scarcely had they finished their repast, when there appeared in the air, at a considerable distance, two great clouds. The captain of my ship, knowing by experience what they meant, said they were the male and female parents of the roc, and pressed us to re-embark with all speed, to prevent the misfortune which he saw would otherwise befall us.  The two rocs approached with a frightful noise, which they redoubled when they saw the egg broken, and their young one gone. They flew back in the direction they had come, and disappeared for some time, while we made all the sail we could in the endeavor to prevent that which unhappily befell us.  They soon returned, and we observed that each of them carried between its talons an enormous rock. When they came directly over my ship, they hovered, and one of them let go his rock; but by the dexterity of the steersman it missed us and fell into the sea. The other so exactly hit the middle of the ship as to split it into pieces. The mariners and passengers were all crushed to death or fell into the sea. I myself was of the number of the latter; but, as I came up again, I fortunately caught hold of a piece of the wreck, and swimming, sometimes with one hand and sometimes with the other, but always holding fast the plank, the wind and the tide favoring me, I came to an island, and got safely ashore.  I sat down upon the grass, to recover myself from my fatigue, after which I went into the island to explore it. It seemed to be a delicious garden. I found trees everywhere, some of them bearing green and others ripe fruits, and streams of fresh pure water. I ate of the fruits, which I found excellent; and drank of the water, which was very light and good.

1001 Arabian Nights - the Complete Adventures of Sindbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba: Special Edition

ANONYMOUS

Classics

"Men and Women" was Robert Browning's first published work after a self-imposed five year hiatus, and his first collection of shorter poems since his marriage to Elizabeth Barrett in 1846.  Upon publication in 1855, "Men and Women," containing fifty-one seemingly random poems, was not a critical or financial success. During this period, Browning felt overshadowed by the stellar success of his wife. Later in life, renewed public interest in his writing would elevate Robert Browning into the pantheon of greatest poets.  Thirteen years after the publication of "Men and Women," Browning revisited the collection, and a new vision emerged. He separated the simpler, emotionally rhymed poems, such as "Mesmerism" and "A Woman's Last Word," and the picturesque rhymed verse, such as "Childe Roland" and "The Statue and the Bust," from their more complex companions, such as "Cleon," "Fra Lippo," and "Rudel".  Finally, Browning succeeded in producing the dramatic concept he had tried to communicate two decades earlier, not by adding, but by removing stray conceptual pieces. This volume was then published as "Transcendentalism: A Poem In Twelve Books" to a frenzied reception. This large sized special edition contains the restored manuscript of Robert Browning's unique poetic masterpiece.  Excerpt From "Andrea Del Sarto" in "Men and Women" All Rights Reserved  But do not let us quarrel any more, No, my Lucrezia; bear with me for once: Sit down and all shall happen as you wish. You turn your face, but does it bring your heart? I'll work then for your friend's friend, never fear, Treat his own subject after his own way, Fix his own time, accept too his own price, And shut the money into this small hand When next it takes mine. Will it? tenderly? Oh, I'll content him--but to-morrow. Love! I often am much wearier than you think, This evening more than usual, and it seems As if--forgive now--should you let me sit Here by the window with your hand in mine And look a half-hour forth on Fiesole, Both of one mind, as married people use, Quietly, quietly the evening through, I might get up to-morrow to my work Cheerful and fresh as ever. Let us try.

Men and Women by Robert Browning: Transcendentalism, a Poem in Twelve Books

BROWNING., ROBERT

History & Criticism

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Books by El Paso Norte Pr

See the best price to sell, buy or rent books by the El Paso Norte Pr publisher. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Aeschylus - Seven Plays (The Greek Classics)

Aristophanes - Eleven Plays (The Greek Classics)

Euripides - Nineteen Plays (The Greek Classics)

Sophocles - Seven Plays (The Greek Classics)

The Devil's Dictionary

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

The Art of War by Sun Tzu

The Prince

1001 Arabian Nights - the Complete Adventures of Sindbad, Aladdin and Ali Baba: Special Edition

Men and Women by Robert Browning: Transcendentalism, a Poem in Twelve Books