The Theban Plays of Sophocles

Sophocles

Jan 2007 · Yale University Press

About this ebook

In this wide-ranging and stimulating book, a leading authority on the history of medicine and science presents convincing evidence that Dutch commerce, not religion, inspired the rise of science in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Harold Cook scrutinizes a wealth of historical documents relating to the study of medicine and natural history in the Netherlands, Europe, Brazil, South Africa, and Asia during this era, and his conclusions are fresh and exciting. He uncovers direct links between the rise of trade and commerce in the Dutch Empire and the flourishing of scientific investigation. Cook argues that engaging in commerce changed the thinking of Dutch citizens, leading to a new emphasis on such values as objectivity, accumulation, and description. The preference for accurate information that accompanied the rise of commerce also laid the groundwork for the rise of science globally, wherever the Dutch engaged in trade. Medicine and natural history were fundamental aspects of this new science, as reflected in the development of gardens for both pleasure and botanical study, anatomical theatres, curiosity cabinets, and richly illustrated books about nature. Sweeping in scope and original in its insights, this book revises previous understandings of the history of science and ideas.

Ratings and reviews

A hauntingly beautiful book with a real sense of tragedy, which is no more evident than in the first play 'Oedipus Rex'. It reminds me somewhat of James Hogg's Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, although in the case of Oedipus he cannot do anything to stop his destiny no matter how hard he tries. Whereas in the former, the main character knows that he is predestined and as such uses that knowledge for malicious intent, knowing that no matter what he does the outcome will always be the same. Oedipus has no idea of his destiny for many years, and acts always in a noble and just manner, coming to the rescue of the people time and again. When he finds out that he has unwittingly wronged, he tries to make amends. Oedipus is never to blame in this, which is what makes it so tragic. No matter what he does, he is hurtling ever closer to fulfilling the prophecies that he is cast out of society as a baby for. Unlike the Shakespearean tragedies they do not have the sense of the ridiculous that plays such as Hamlet does. For me there is real despair in the Theban Plays that is incredibly moving and heart-rending, and should be compulsory reading in all schools.

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