This is the first comprehensive edition in any language of the Birds, a play generally recognized as one of Aristophanes' masterpieces--both for its imaginative plot and for the charm and originality of its lyrics. The commentary gives generous help with the translation, for the less advanced student of Greek, and also with interpretation and the lyric meters, as well as fully discussing the staging. The introduction discusses the nature of the play; its historical and mythological background; the history of the text, including the contributions of ancient scholars recorded in the scholia, which are exceptionally important in this play; and also more recent scholarship.