Poetics

Poetics by Aristotle is a paperback for readers who enjoy fiction with real texture to it. Runs to about 144 pages, so it's an easy book to lose an evening to, and a nice one to give.

What it's about

One of the most powerful, perceptive and influential works of criticism in Western literary history In his near-contemporary account of classical Greek tragedy, Aristotle examines the dramatic elements of plot, character, language and spectacle that combine to produce pity and fear in the audience, and asks why we derive pleasure from this apparently painful process. Taking examples from the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, the Poetics introduced into literary criticism such central concepts as mimesis ('imitation'), hamartia ('error') and katharsis ('purification'). Aristotle explains how the most effective tragedies rely on complication and resolution, recognition and reversals. The Poetics has informed thinking about drama ever since.Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Malcolm Heath

Book details

• Author: Aristotle
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 144
• ISBN: 9780140446364
• Published: 1996-09-26
• Dimensions: 13.0 x 0.9 x 19.8 cm
• Category: Non-Fiction

Frequently asked questions

Is Poetics available in paperback or hardcover?

This listing is for the paperback edition of Poetics.

What language is this edition in?

This edition is in English.

Who wrote Poetics?

Poetics is written by Aristotle.

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Shipping is free on every order, with no minimum. We ship within the United States only; orders leave our Denver, Colorado warehouse in 1–2 business days and usually arrive within 5–7 business days.

What if the book arrives damaged or isn't what I expected?

You have 30 days from delivery to return it in new condition for a full refund. If it arrived damaged, defective or wrong, we cover the return shipping.