Pythagoras - Softcover

Abse, Dannie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0091394317 ISBN 13: 9780091394318

Publisher: Hutchinson, 1979

Synopsis

PYTHAGORAS: The action takes place in a mental hospital where Pythagoras is a patient. According to the medical authorities, Pythagoras is a small-time show-biz magician. The patient, however, believes that he is the REAL Pythagoras, the ancient Greek philosopher, mathematician, and mystic. It certainly SEEMS that Pythagoras may have magical powers: when he points to the telephone, it rings; when he raises his hand to the sky, thunder claps. Dr. Aquillus, the superintendent, has no sympathy with these pranks. The patients believe in his power, but even they sometimes question Pythagoras. For example, in response to the Greek's boast that "I was philosopher, mathematician and magician," one patient says, "You shoulda specialized, buster. You won't get anywhere unless you specialize." At this point Pythagoras responds that it is "difficult to wear both the white coat of science and the magician's purple one. You have to be--very great!" In the end Pythagoras is reduced to Tony Smith and the truth is revealed. Or is it? FUNLAND: The long poem from which Pytrhagoras, the play, originated.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hutchinson
• Publication date: 1979
• ISBN 10: 0091394317
• ISBN 13: 9780091394318
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 104