"Although presented-even by Lefkowitz herself-as a book for the nonspecialist, scholars will find a wealth of information and solid argumentation in this splendid volume." -- Nickolas P. Roubekas, Religious Studies Review "This is a book worth noting, and not just because its sober analysis of Euripides' religious beliefs will be required reading for anyone interested in tragedy or Greek religion.Intriguingly, she diagnoses an anachronism as the cause of that tradition's persistence: foreign to the plays' ancient context is the monotheistic conception of God's relationship to and interest in humanity. Even detractors will have to engage with her arguments." -- C. Michael Sampson (University of Manitoba), Phoenix: Journal of the Classical Association of Canada. "Lefkowitz's main point here remains compelling, that the gods in Euripides' dramas are no different than in Homeric epic or the works of Aeschylus and Sophocles.
Chapter 1, the strongest in the book, depicts in great detail the descent of Aristophanic commentary through the ages to twentieth-century critics who believe that the portrayal of the gods must be ironic. This chapter is the work of incisive scholarship, with years of study of ancient, medieval and modern texts brilliantly and clearly displayed." --Robin Mitchell-Boyask, Polis, The Journal for Ancient Greek Political Thought "Lefkowitz presents a potent account for how Euripides's persona of "philosopher on the stage" came about, and describes how it then affected reception of his poetic corpus. If one were only interested in Euripides's original intentions and the likely responses of original audiences, her corrective offers serious food for thought." --Tyler Smith, Bryn Mawr Classical Review "This eloquent and accessible study will be of value to anyone who wants to understand Euripides' tragedies and the beliefs about the gods and their influence on human life that they reflect." --Martin Cropp, University of Calgary "A fresh, rich, and accessible approach, from an eminent scholar, to those troubling gods of Euripides (and Sophocles and Aeschylus). Lefkowitz takes them 'literally and seriously,' sweeps away modern misconceptions, and helps build a sounder understanding of the gods in Greek literature, theology, and life." --Jon D.
Mikalson, University of Virginia "[Lefkowitz] has written a perceptive account of Euripides's view of the gods and his use of them in his plays. Lefkowitz writes clear and engaging prose and (or perhaps because) she eschews tendentious and easy theorizing. Thus anyone interested in Euripides, ancient Greek society, or Athenian drama can read this book with profit and enjoyment. Highly recommended."--Choice.