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First published in 1910, this book presents a detailed account regarding the birth of tragedy by the renowned classical scholar Sir William Ridgeway (1858-1926). Ridgeway develops the viewpoint, first put forward in a 1904 lecture before the Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies, that the origins of tragedy can be found 'in the worship of the dead'. The main focus of the text is on Ancient Greek tragedy, but reference is also made to dramatic traditions among 'Asiatic Peoples'. Illustrative figures are incorporated throughout. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Ancient Greek culture, anthropology, literary criticism and the nature of the tragic.