Poetics

In this the fullest sustained interpretation of Aristotles <strong>Poetics</strong>available in English Stephen Halliwell demonstrates that the Poetics despitei... » 

In this the fullest sustained interpretation of Aristotles Poeticsavailable in English Stephen Halliwell demonstrates that the Poetics despiteits laconic brevity is a coherent statement of a challenging theory of poeticart and it hints towards a theory of mimetic art in general. Assessing thistheory against the background of earlier Greek views on poetry and artparticularly Platos Halliwell goes further than any previous author insetting Aristotles ideas in the wider context of his philosophical system.The core of the book is a fresh appraisal of Aristotles view of tragic dramain which Halliwell contends that at the heart of the Poetics lies aphilosophical urge to instill a secularized understanding of Greek tragedy.Essential reading not only for all serious students of the Poetics . . . butalso for thosethe great majoritywho have prudently fought shy of italtogether.B. R. Rees Classical ReviewA splendid work of scholarship and analysis . . . a brilliantinterpretation.Alexander Nehamas Times Literary Supplement «