Aristophanes and Athens

MacDowell is a well-known expert on Aristophanes, and is the editor of a commentary on Aristophanes: Wasps for OUP (1971). He has also written on a variety of topics in ancient history, particularly law and politics.

Douglas M. MacDowell ... is eminently qualified to write this book. No background knowledge is assumed; the context of the plays is succinctly and accurately summarized ... MacDowell's refreshing contribution is to show how the serious comments are transmitted through comic plot and production ... There is no better introduction to this enigmatic author.