Revised edition of the pioneering Reading Greek Tragedy, which serves as an advanced, critical introduction for non-specialist readers who want to appreciate the plays in all their complexity. Includes a substantial new Introduction which engages with critical and scholarly developments in Greek tragedy since the original publication.
Simon Goldhill Book order






- 2023
- 2022
The Christian Invention of Time
Temporality and the Literature of Late Antiquity
- 516 pages
- 19 hours of reading
Exploring the intersection of Christianity and the concept of time, Simon Goldhill reveals how religious beliefs reshaped humanity's perception and experience of temporal existence. His engaging analysis highlights the lasting impact of these transformations on contemporary society, emphasizing the relevance of historical changes in our understanding of time.
- 2022
What Is a Jewish Classicist?
- 200 pages
- 7 hours of reading
The essays delve into the intersection of personal identity, scholarship, and the politics within academia, particularly in the field of classics. They explore how scholars' backgrounds influence their work and the implications of inclusion and exclusion in the discipline, particularly regarding Jewish scholars. The discussion extends to the transformative nature of translation in engaging with ancient literature, emphasizing its role in shaping contemporary understanding of antiquity. This thought-provoking collection highlights the evolving dynamics of cultural identity and scholarship in modern society.
- 2021
Explores how literary form changes when Christianity and rabbinic Judaism take shape. By reading little-known but hugely influential texts, this book opens a new and exciting vision of how the literature of the first millennium shaped culture.
- 2016
Very Queer Family Indeed
- 337 pages
- 12 hours of reading
The family that wrote itself -- Sensation! -- Wooing mother -- Bringing up the subject -- Fifty ways to say I hate my father -- Tell the truth, my boy -- A map of biographical urges -- To write a life -- Women in love -- Graphomania -- Being queer -- What's in a name? -- Though wholly pure and good -- He never married -- All London is agog -- Carnal affections -- Be a man, my boy -- "It's not unusual . . ." -- The god of our fathers -- It will be worth dying -- The deeper self that can't decide -- Our father -- Secret history -- Writing the history of the church -- Building history -- Forms of worship -- Capturing the Bensons -- Not I
- 2014
The Buried Life of Things
- 278 pages
- 10 hours of reading
Exploring the intricate relationship between objects and historical perception, this illustrated study delves into how material culture influenced the Victorians' understanding of their past. It examines various artifacts and their significance, revealing the ways in which these items helped shape societal narratives and collective memory during the Victorian era. Through a rich array of visuals and insightful analysis, the book sheds light on the profound impact of objects on historical engagement and identity.
- 2014
The Invention of Prose
- 140 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Focusing on the Greek Enlightenment, this study offers a comprehensive introduction to the classical world of Athens. It explores the cultural, philosophical, and political developments that shaped this pivotal era, highlighting key figures and their contributions. The book provides insights into the intellectual climate of ancient Greece, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in the origins of Western thought and the legacy of Athenian democracy.
- 2011
Victorian Culture and Classical Antiquity
Art, Opera, Fiction, and the Proclamation of Modernity
- 360 pages
- 13 hours of reading
The exploration of Victorian influences from Greece and Rome reveals a complex interplay between art, music, and literature, set against the backdrop of the era's political and social currents. Through a detailed examination of opera, art exhibitions, and cultural icons like Ben Hur, the author uncovers surprising insights into the classics' impact on society and academia. This work positions itself at the cutting edge of reception studies, offering fresh perspectives on how historical meanings are constructed and understood.
- 2009
Jerusalem
- 368 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Jerusalem is the site of some of the most famous religious monuments in the world, from the Dome of the Rock to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to the Western Wall of the Temple. This title provides a tour through the history of this image-filled city - from the bedrock of the Old City to the towering roofs of the Holy Sepulchre.
- 2007
From the stages of Broadway and London to university campuses, Paris, and the bourgeoning theaters of Africa, Greek tragedy remains constantly in production. This title explains how Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles conceived their works in performance. It summarizes what we know about how their tragedies were actually staged.