Oedipus the King

From School Library Journal<br/><br/>Grade 11 Up-This performance of Oedipus the King, the classic Greek tragedy by Sophocles, is dramatic and compelling. As in all works that are meant to be performed rather than read, the play takes on much more meaning and emotion when performed by these fine actors. The most riveting characterization is presented by Michael Sheen as Oedipus. He clearly portrays the brash confidence of the young king, the confusion and fear as the king begins to suspect what has happened and, finally, the total despair of the dethroned and outcast Oedipus. All the actors give fine performances that are easily understood and add to the overall drama and tragedy. The Greek chorus is especially effective as it comments on the course of events. Sound effects and music are used sparingly and very effectively. Those using the cassette version will find that there is no notification when each side has ended. Since many high school classes read this work, this excellent audio version would be a valuable resource in school and public libraries.<br/>Pat Griffith, Schlow Memorial Library, State College, PA<br/>Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.<br/><br/>Product Description<br/><br/>To Laius, King of Thebes, an oracle foretold that the child born to him by his queen Jocasta would slay his father and wed his mother. So when in time a son was born the infant's feet were riveted together and he was left to die on Mount Cithaeron. But a shepherd found the babe and tended him, and delivered him to another shepherd who took him to his master, the King of Corinth. Polybus being childless adopted the boy, who grew up believing that he was indeed the King's son. Afterwards doubting his parentage he inquired of the Delphic god and heard himself the word declared before to Laius. Wherefore he fled from what he deemed his father's house and in his flight he encountered and unwillingly slew his father Laius. Arriving at Thebes he answered the riddle of the Sphinx and the grateful Thebans made their deliverer king. So he reigned in the room of Laius, and espoused the widowed queen. Children were born to them and Thebes prospered under his rule, but again a grievous plague fell upon the city. Again the oracle was consulted and it bade them purge themselves of blood-guiltiness. Oedipus denounces the crime of which he is unaware, and undertakes to track out the criminal. Step by step it is brought home to him that he is the man. The closing scene reveals Jocasta slain by her own hand and Oedipus blinded by his own act and praying for death or exile.<br/><br/>Review<br/><br/>Warned by an oracle that he would murder his father and marry his mother, Oedipus flees his home in a futile attempt to escape his tragic destiny. The most renowned of the ancient Greek tragedies, this drama of self-discovery is one of the high points of all literature.<br/><br/>Full leather-bound hardcover, no dust jacket as issued. Collector's edition. Beautifully bound in genuine leather, hand selected from individually tanned hides. Sophisticated hubbed design (raised ridges) on spine, stamped with gorgeous accents of 22 karat gold -- a hallmark of fine bookmaking. Textured and shaded, acid-neutral paper won't turn yellow over time. Pages are Smyth-sewn into the binding for permanence (not glued like ordinary books). Endpapers are beautiful satin moire, specially dyed for the publisher. All edges gilded on three sides to enhance the book's elegance. Satin ribbon page marker bound into book.<br/><br/><br/>From AudioFile<br/><br/>Aristotle admired OEDIPUS TYRANNOS as the pinnacle of tragic art. Indeed, aside from its fine poetry and Freudian undertones, it is a taut, suspenseful detective story. It is up to King Oedipus to ferret out and purge the town of whoever murdered his predecessor. This British production is a tad too reverential and somewhat pretentious. No accommodation is made to the sightless medium, making the action hard to follow. The choral odes drone on monotonously. There's little life in the production, but t