Menander on papyrus, that is - is re-edited here in the first part of a projected two-volume edition (...). This volume contains (1) an extensive introduction about Menander, his work and his 'Nachleben', (2) a text of most of the papyri fragments known before 1958 (...), together with a brief apparatus, introductory comments, and selected notes, and (3) an Italian translation printed face to face with the Greek text. Del Corno's introductory essay is a model of its kind, a delight to one sated by the superficiality or distortion of some recent work on Menander. The topics discussed, ranging from Athenian society at the end of the fourth century B.C. to the ancient criteria of dramatic criticism, are dealt with clearly, judiciously, and sensitively. There is generally a refreshing caution, a nice attention to details. Del Corno is particularly good on Menander's ambivalent attitude to human life. (...) The text of the remains of each play is preceded by an essay on the problems it poses. Here Del Corno generally displays the same virtues of clear exposition and sound judgment as he does in his opening essay. This first volume as a whole provides much that is interesting and judicious, and the completion of the project will be awaited with expectations that would be all the more eager if the editor could achieve greater originality and independence.' (W. GEOFFREY ARNOTT in The Classical Review (New Series), 1968, pp.33-35). From the library of the late Prof. W. Geoffrey Arnott.