This is an intriguing volume, produced as a labour of love by – I think – a non-classicist. Nevertheless, it displays throughout a thoroughly academic familiarity with the play. Fraser's original plan was a to produce an interlinear translation, the better to elucidate the play's ‘mysteries’ to students and other readers. The awkwardnesses inherent in this task then encouraged Fraser to produce a verse translation which is modern, colloquial and, for the most part, comically effective. Why not put both in the same book, he concluded.
Fraser clearly found the verse translation congenial; it romps along with its hero, Trygaios, at some pace, and it achieves its purpose of elucidating the play for the modern reader. Fraser is Australian, so we get a mixture of British and American colloquialism, but little really jars. The rhymes are occasionally a little forced, but sometimes, it might be argued, for comic effect.
Fraser has elided or smoothed over some of the political/historical references, in the interest of readability; one cannot blame him. He is also refreshingly direct, so be prepared for some words not normally found in English translations.
The interlineal (sic) translation will be a positive boon for anyone wanting to get closer to the Greek original; it manages – just – to stay faithful and make good or adequate sense, despite the occasional harshness. The ascription of parts is in Greek capitals throughout, so Greekless readers will have to learn the alphabet or find themselves constantly checking the dramatis personae (which is bilingual).
There is a short bibliography, of which half the volumes consulted were published in the 19th century. There is also a bilingual glossary. The latter is occasionally deficient in detail.
The book could have done with one, final proofreading: there are a few spelling slips; Cleonymous is thus often spelled (except in the Glossary); Apollo is said to have been born on Naxos; Aggro is said to be short for ‘aggressor’, which is news to me; the city of Megara is confused with its Sicilian namesake. However, most readers may not spot, nor mind, these small lapses; they will be charmed by the care taken to enliven the play and will find the whole enterprise a useful introduction to Aristophanes.
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