The teachings of Aristotle are fundamental to any critical discussion of Greek tragedy and other literary forms. Although the Poetics has often been criticized or dismissed, such disapproval is usually the result of a misunderstanding of what Aristotle is saying. At this point, Hatton's work is uniquely significant. Commentators have long recognized the need to view the Poetics in the context of its creation and its revival during the Renaissance. Few, if any, possess the necessary combinative ability that James Hatton had as a trained Hellenist with a particularly strong background in Greek philosophy, an elegant stylist in the English language, and a leading expert on Renaissance humanists. To complement his translation, Hatton has provided full explanatory notes and glossaries. In his introduction, he discusses the work in terms of Aristotelian thought and its Platonic roots, thus correcting the dogmatism often associated with the study of the Poetics. The introduction also fully clarifies the historical influence of the work.

• Pages: 128
• Year of Publication: 0108
• Dimensions: 13.5x13.5cm