This is the first detailed commentary to be compiled on the fragments of the Greek comic poet Alexis, who lived from approximately 375 to 270 BC. Alexis seems to have had an important effect on the development of Greek New Comedy, both in the presentation and choice of characters and in the structuring of the type of New Comedy plot associated in particular with Menander.

Professor Arnott's commentary is multifaceted, discussing textual transmission; the interpretation of Alexis' language, meaning and style; the dramatic background and its relevance to the comedies; and the relation of the material to the social and political history of the time. The commentary makes a significant contribution to the study of the development of comedy in the fourth century BC, and to our knowledge and precise interpretation of later Attic Greek. Since the fragments themselves are now readily available in the second volume of R. Kassel's and C.

Austin's Poetae Comici Graeci, the Greek text is not included here.