Oedipus the King

A Translation by F.L. Light

By: Sophocles, F. L. Light

Narrated by: Alex Hyde-White

Length: 2 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Aristotle's assertion that in Greek tragedy, there is no loftier work than Oedipus the King cannot be lightly contradicted. This drama is endued fearfully with nature, as she works against the conscientiousness of measure found in man. Heretofore no translation of this play has been a poem of Sophoclean worthiness and work. The rhythmic stature of this translation runs with the Greek in heat and light. "It is always gratifying, it elevates the human spirit to see one our fellows...set his aim unbelievably high and incredibly hit the mark!" (David Madgalene, bilingual author of I Hear A Journeyman Singing and many other books of verse.)

©2012 Frederick Lazarus Light (P)2013 Frederick L Light

Listen to it many times

What made the experience of listening to Oedipus the King the most enjoyable?

The more I heard it the more I understood it. The first time was difficult. The third tiem, a few days later, was very moving.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Tiresia. He tells the truth to Oedipus and is abused for it.

What does Alex Hyde-White bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

In the second half he is truly an actor for Greek tragedy and the horror of it allo.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It may be too overwhelming for one sitting.

Oedipus a twisted story of murder and incest

Would you consider the audio edition of Oedipus the King to be better than the print version?

Yes, I enjoy hearing a play more then reading about it. I can also listen and do work.

What other book might you compare Oedipus the King to and why?

Romeo and Juliet. It reads like a Shakespearean play, and is a tragedy.

What does Alex Hyde-White bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The tone and in flexion in his voice adds to the experience.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Moved me into an angry place maybe. Oedipus the king is the tale of a man who murdered his father and married his own mother, unknowingly to him. I felt my stomach turn, I would be ill if I killed one of my parents and ended up marrying the other parent.

A great translation of Oedipus

Would you consider the audio edition of Oedipus the King to be better than the print version?

The audiobook did allow me to absorb the story better than the print version.

What did you like best about this story?

It was a great translation of the classic greek tragedy.

Any additional comments?

I can see why Oedipus has stood the test of time since 429 BCE. I highly recommend this audiobook to students who need to understand quickly. It's quite a daunting read but the audiobook makes it much more easier. And I highly recommend to those who simply want to dip their minds into ancient greek literature or want to understand a classical example of greek tragedy. The story's message is quite clear: Oedipus's own faults contribute to his downfall. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and clear reading.