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Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies (1694): Play Guide and Free Edition

Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies (1694): author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies (1694) is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Echard, Lawrence (?–1730).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies" by Lawrence Echard is a critical work that encompasses the prefaces of translations of classical Roman comedies, likely written in the late 17th century. This publication not only includes discussions around the intent and rationale behind the translations but also reflects on the literary landscape of Echard's time, particularly the rivalry with French literature. The work serves as a commentary on the neoclassical ideals of drama and the merits of the plays of Terence and Plautus for contemporary audiences, including English dramatists. The opening of this collection introduces Echard’s motivations for translating the works of Terence and Plautus, highlighting their significance in the development of drama. Echard emphasizes the literary virtues of Terence, noting his structural prowess and moral depth when compared to the livelier but less refined style of Plautus. The prefaces set the stage for understanding how these classical works can benefit modern playwrights, illustrating Echard's intention to connect the best elements of ancient comedy with the tastes of his contemporary readers. As one delves deeper into the text, they are invited to reflect on the evolution of dramatic art and the enduring relevance of classical themes in English theatre.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Prefaces to Terence's Comedies and Plautus's Comedies (1694)
  • Author credits: Echard, Lawrence (?–1730)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Greece -- In literature
  • Latin drama (Comedy) -- Greek influences -- Early works to 1800
  • Latin drama (Comedy) -- History and criticism -- Early works to 1800
  • Plautus, Titus Maccius -- Criticism and interpretation -- Early works to 1800
  • Terence -- Criticism and interpretation -- Early works to 1800
  • Theater -- History -- To 500
  • Theater -- Rome -- Early works to 1800

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: British Literature
  • Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches
  • Category: Plays/Films/Dramas

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

Sources

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