Poetics
by Aristotle, Malcolm Heath
Poetics by Aristotle, Malcolm Heath holds a well received rating of 3.81 out of 5, based on 10.3K reader ratings. First published in -335. The book spans 144 pages.
About Poetics
‘The plot is the source and the soul of tragedy’In his near-contemporary account of Greek tragedy, Aristotle examines the dramatic elements of plot, character, language and spectacle that combine to produce pity and fear in the audience, and asks why we derive pleasure from this apparently painful process. Taking examples from the plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides, The Poetics introduces into literary criticism such central concepts as mimesis (‘imitation’), hamartia (‘error’), and katharsis (‘purification’). Aristotle explains how the most effective tragedies rely on complication and resolution, recognition and reversals, centring on characters of heroic stature, idealized yet true to life. One of the most powerful, perceptive and influential works of criticism in Western literary history, the Poetics has informed serious thinking about drama ever since.Malcolm Heath’s lucid English translation makes the Poetics fully accessible to the modern reader. It is accompanied by an extended introduction, which discusses the key concepts in detail and includes suggestions for further reading.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Aristotle, Malcolm Heath |
| Published | -335 |
| Pages | 144 |
| Genres | Philosophy, Classics, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Arts & Photography |
| Average Rating | 3.81 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 10,347 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Poetics?
Poetics is categorized as Philosophy, Classics, Non-Fiction, Poetry. Its primary genre classification is Classics.
Is Poetics worth reading?
Based on 10.3K reader ratings, Poetics has an average score of 3.81 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Poetics?
Poetics has 144 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Poetics?
Poetics was written by Aristotle, Malcolm Heath. It was first published in -335.
What is the ISBN for Poetics?
The ISBN-13 for Poetics is 9780140446360.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
