The 1966 Cambridge University Press edition of Oedipus Tyrannus, edited by Sir Richard Jebb, is a reprint of his renowned late 19th-century commentary, long considered a gold standard in classical philology. This edition presents the full Greek text of Sophocles’ tragedy alongside Jebb’s extensive scholarly apparatus, including a detailed introduction, textual notes, and linguistic commentary. Jebb’s editorial method reflects the precision and rigor of Victorian scholarship, with careful attention to manuscript variants, metrical structure, and dramatic context. His introduction explores the play’s mythological background, its place in the Sophoclean corpus, and its philosophical implications, particularly regarding fate, free will, and tragic irony.

What distinguishes this edition for English-speaking readers is Jebb’s generous use of English footnotes, which accompany the Greek text and offer interpretive guidance, grammatical clarification, and literary insight. These notes are not mere glosses—they often unpack complex idioms, explain cultural references, and compare Sophocles’ usage with that of other tragedians. Jebb’s commentary is designed to support both advanced students of Greek and readers approaching the play in translation, making the edition a bridge between philological depth and literary appreciation. The 1966 reissue preserves this dual function, offering a durable and accessible format for mid-century scholars while retaining the intellectual character of its original publication.

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