Alcestis. In a New Version by Ted Hughes.

First edition. Demy 8vo. Pp. [vi], 84, [vi]. Publisher's maroon paper boards, lettered in ecru on spine.

Hughes' rendition of Euripides' play, with added material of his own, about King Admetus who is able to escape death because his wife, Alcestis, opts to take his place. His additions to the text include an expanded burlesque treatment of Hercules's drunk scene and an episode involving Prometheus and his vulture.

Completed just before he died at age sixty-eight and published posthumously, Alcestis is a profound meditation on human mortality and suffering. Premiered by Northern Broadsides Theatre Company at the Viaduct Theatre, Dean Clough, Halifax, in a production directed by Barrie Rutter, on 14 September 2000.