Originally published in 1944, this book examines how Sophocles' inventive use of the ancient Greek language and style justifies his place as, arguably, the greatest Athenian tragedian. Earp analyses in great detail Sophocles' use of Greek words by listing those words used in the plays that appear nowhere else in the canon of ancient literature, as well as linguistic overlap between Sophocles and other ancient authors, and his use of idiom and metre. This thoroughly-researched book will be of value to anyone with an interest in Sophoclean tragedy and textual criticism.