Uploaded September 2013 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Aristotle's Poetics is the earliest-surviving work of dramatic theory and the first extant philosophical treatise to focus on literary theory. In it, Aristotle offers an account of what he calls "poetry" (a term which in Greek literally means "making" and in this context includes drama—comedy, tragedy, and the satyr play—as well as lyric poetry, epic poetry, etc). He examines its "first principles" and identifies its genres and basic elements.
The text for this audio is from the book The Poetics of Aristotle, translated by Samuel Henry Butcher and published in 1895, and is in the public domain. This audio was recorded by LearnOutLoud.com and is narrated by Antonia Bath. Copyright © 2007 LearnOutLoud, Inc. Any reproduction or illegal distribution of the content in any form will result in immediate action against the person concerned.
Aristotle's Poetics is the earliest-surviving work of dramatic theory and the first extant philosophical treatise to focus on literary theory. In it, Aristotle offers an account of what he calls "poetry" (a term which in Greek literally means "making" and in this context includes drama—comedy, tragedy, and the satyr play—as well as lyric poetry, epic poetry, etc). He examines its "first principles" and identifies its genres and basic elements.
The text for this audio is from the book The Poetics of Aristotle, translated by Samuel Henry Butcher and published in 1895, and is in the public domain. This audio was recorded by LearnOutLoud.com and is narrated by Antonia Bath. Copyright © 2007 LearnOutLoud, Inc. Any reproduction or illegal distribution of the content in any form will result in immediate action against the person concerned.
