The Origin of Tragedy
With Special Reference to the Greek Tragedians

First published in 1910, this book presents a detailed account regarding the birth of tragedy by the renowned classical scholar William Ridgeway.

William Ridgeway (Author)

9781107554269, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 12 October 2015

242 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.4 cm, 0.31 kg

First published in 1910, this book presents a detailed account regarding the birth of tragedy by the renowned classical scholar Sir William Ridgeway (1858–1926). Ridgeway develops the viewpoint, first put forward in a 1904 lecture before the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies, that the origins of tragedy can be found 'in the worship of the dead'. The main focus of the text is on Ancient Greek tragedy, but reference is also made to dramatic traditions among 'Asiatic Peoples'. Illustrative figures are incorporated throughout. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Ancient Greek culture, anthropology, literary criticism and the nature of the tragic.

Preface
1. The origin of tragedy
2. The rise of Attic tragedy
3. Primitive dramas among Asiatic peoples
4. Survivals of the primitive type in extant Greek tragedies
5. The expansion of tragedy
Index.

Subject Areas: Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1]