Poetics (Penguin Classics)

The Penguin Aristotle editions are probably the best available for nonspecialists with limited or no classical Greek. The long and detailed introduction is worth the cost of this book alone; and the translation itself is scrupulous and scrupulously annotated with detailed notes and references to historical contexts and Aristotle's other writings. (The H.C. Lawson-Tancred translation and annotation of Aristotle's Art of Rhetoric is another outstanding example.) I have read the Poetics in various translations for over forty years. This is by far the best translation for conveying, as nearly as possible, what Aristotle actually wrote and, even more importantly, the historical and literary contexts in which he wrote and the consequent inferences his first Greek readers would have been expected to make based on what they knew. It's also a very readable translation (no small feat with Aristotle, who can be made very tough going in English by translators more interested in showing off their erudition than assisting readers). This is the translation to buy for students or casual readers making their first attempt at Aristotle, or by more seasoned readers who have been confused or discouraged by enigmatic translations without notes. This is also an economically priced translation, a much better buy than the cheaper, unannotated translations.

Arrived on time and as described

This review refers to the "Penguin Classics" edition with an introduction by Malcolm Health: This book was often referred to by both my high school and college literature teachers although it has taken me an additional +20 years to actually read the book. I am glad I did. I think those interested in western literature or aesthetics will find Poetic's to be an essential read as it provides the initial codification of concepts such as tragedy, comedy, plot, unity, character, and katharsis. Malcolm Heath's introduction is absolutely essential and is worth the price of the book alone.

I read this book in an effort to enhance my personal hobby of script writing. If I recall correctly, I read somehwere that this is an important book regarding proper plot structure. Having read the book I believe this to be true. It touches upon tragedy, epics, comedies, plot, character, reasoning among other things. Granted, this was written at a time when theater and poetry were the thing (LEDs were not in fashion at the time). And when taken in that context, the book makes a lot of sense. I have since found the structure to be in many movies I have watched over the years. It has added significant value to how I am developing characters in my stories and the stories themselves. This is not a definitive guide. Story telling has eveolved throughout the ages. But, knowing the evolution helps write better. Or at least it does for me. As with the writings of all philosophers (and I personally like Aristotle), the text is meant to be studied. It is NOT a step by step guide. You read a little and think a lot. Happy reading!

this is THE foundation text for all creative writers, not just screen writers! I'm glad to have it as part of my permanent collection, where I can turn to it again and again for inspiration.

So much information packed into such a small format. Every writer should carry this in their back pocket.

Everything you watch, read, or listen too is influenced by this work.

I would recommend this version of Aristotle Poetics. The Introduction thoroughly analyzes the content prior to you reading it, and so it serves as a nice guide to help you understand the writing of the ancient philosopher. Poetics itself is an interesting concept. Aristotle's comments on the Tragedies and the Epic can be applied to the modern day novel, and is an excellent choice for any aspiring writer.

El libro obvio es muy bueno, interesante solo que llego demasiado tarde y tuve que leerlo en digital. venía bien empacado

Book came in good condition

Aristotle's Poetics needs no introduction. It has been a standard book for literary criticism since centuries. The book is divided into short, fragmented sections that deals with every aspect of drama, poetry and epic. Malcolm Heath's introduction fills almost half the book but he truly captures the essence of Poetics. He explains in detail the subtle nuances of the various literary concepts. What is Hamartia? What is Catharsis? What is Mimesis and Hubris? These concepts have been dealt with in a great manner. It is however a book that should only be read by literature students. That is because it deals with concepts that only students of literature would understand.

I will return to Aristotle's Poetics again and again. The master of plot, character and reasoning in tragedy and epic. This should be compulsory reading in English literature study. The introduction, longer than the text is a must for understanding the subtleties that Aristotle set out to teach.

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