Against Demagogues - by Robert C Bartlett (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Against Demagogues presents Robert C. Bartlett's new translations of Aristophanes' most overtly political works, Acharnians and Knights. In these fantastically inventive, raucous, and raunchy comedies, the powerful politician Cleon proves to be democracy's greatest opponent. With unrivalled power, both plays make clear the dangers to which democracies are prone, especially the threats posed by external warfare, internal division, and class polarization. Combatting the seductive allure of demagogues and the damage they cause, Against Demagogues disentangles Aristophanes' serious teachings from his many jokes and pratfalls, substantiating for modern readers his famous claim to "teach justice" while "making a comedy" of the city. The book features an interpretive essay for each play, expertly guiding readers through the most important plot points, explaining the significance of various characters, and shedding light on the meaning of the plays' often madcap episodes. Along with a contextualizing introduction, the book offers extensive notes explaining the many political, literary, and religious references and allusions. Aristophanes' comedic skewering of the demagogue and his ruthless ambition-and of a community so ill-informed about the doings of its own government, so ready to believe in empty promises and idle flattery-cannot but resonate strongly with readers today around the world"--

Book Synopsis

Timeless comedies on resisting tyranny from one of history's greatest comic playwrights.

Against Demagogues presents Robert C. Bartlett's new translations of Aristophanes' most overtly political works, the Acharnians and the Knights. In these fantastically inventive, raucous, and raunchy comedies, the powerful politician Cleon proves to be democracy's greatest opponent. With unrivalled power, both plays make clear the dangers to which democracies are prone, especially the threats posed by external warfare, internal division, and class polarization.

Combating the seductive allure of demagogues and the damage they cause, Against Demagogues disentangles Aristophanes' serious teachings from his many jokes and pratfalls, substantiating for modern readers his famous claim to "teach justice" while "making a comedy" of the city. The book features an interpretive essay for each play, expertly guiding readers through the most important plot points, explaining the significance of various characters, and shedding light on the meaning of the plays' often madcap episodes. Along with a contextualizing introduction, Bartlett offers extensive notes explaining the many political, literary, and religious references and allusions. Aristophanes' comedic skewering of the demagogue and his ruthless ambition--and of a community so ill-informed about the doings of its own government, so ready to believe in empty promises and idle flattery--cannot but resonate strongly with readers today around the world.

From the Back Cover

"Robert C. Bartlett brings his extraordinary skill as a translator to these two Aristophanic comedies. His notes and penetrating interpretive essays provide invaluable guidance for anyone who wishes to understand the serious answers that Aristophanes offers to enduring questions of human life. A must-have volume for students of literature, the classics, or political thought."--Timothy Burns, Professor of Political Philosophy, Baylor University

"In this timely volume, Bartlett shows that Aristophanes' comedies can deepen our understanding of the hazards of democracy. With a sharp ear for Aristophanes' humor and a keen eye for his wisdom, Bartlett opens up the delights and the insights of the ancient comic sage."--Devin Stauffer, Professor of Government, University of Texas at Austin

Review Quotes

"Against Demagogues [is] enlightening reading for those interested in classical political theory, as well as for the contemporary relevance of these thinkers in helping us consider our current political environment."-- "New Books Network"

About the Author

Robert C. Bartlett is Behrakis Professor in Hellenic Political Studies at Boston College and has authored numerous studies on the history of political thought, including recent editions of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics (with Susan Collins) and the Art of Rhetoric.