The Cambridge Companion To English Renaissance Drama

Introducing the reader to important topics in English Renaissance tragedy, this Companion presents fresh readings of key texts.

This new edition of the Companion provides updated information about the principal theaters, playwrights and plays of the most important period of English drama, from 1580-1642. Revised essays are included in chapters on theaters, dramaturgy, political plays, heroic plays, burlesque, comedy, tragedy, and drama produced during the reign of Charles I. Their references have been updated and the substantial biographical and bibliographical section has been expanded. First Edition Hb (1990): 0-521-34657-6 First Edition Pb (1990): 0-521-38662-4

This book offers students factual and interpretative material about the principal theatres, playwrights and plays of the most important period of English drama, from 1580 1642. Ten distinguished scholars offer fresh, informative and challenging studies of the drama. They give factual answers to the kind of questions that students raise and also provide critical analytical comment on individual plays and typical sequences, guidance on the special contributions of playwrights, attempting to distinguish the extraordinary from the merely conventional. Three wide-ranging chapters on theatres, dramaturgy and the social, cultural and political conditions in which the drama was produced and perceived, are followed by chapters describing and illustrating various theatrical genres: private and occasional drama, political plays, heroic plays, burlesque, comedy, tragedy, with a final essay on the drama produced during the reign of Charles I. Shakespeare's plays are discussed in appropriate contexts, but do not dominate the discussion. The aim is to show the rich variety of drama in the period. An extensive biographical and bibliographical section details the work of the dramatists discussed in the book and the best sources for further study. A chronological table provides a full listing of new plays performed from 1497 1642, with a parallel list of major political and theatrical events.

This is a one volume, up-to-date collection of more than fifty wide-ranging essays which will inspire and guide students of the Renaissance and provide course leaders with a substantial and helpful frame of reference. Provides new perspectives on established texts. Orientates the new student, while providing advanced students with current and new directions. Pioneered by leading scholars. Occupies a unique niche in Renaissance studies. Illustrated with 12 single-page black and white prints.

This expansive, inter-disciplinary guide to Renaissance plays and the world they played to gives readers a colorful overview of England's great dramatic age. Provides an expansive and inter-disciplinary approach to Renaissance plays and the world they played to. Offers a colourful and comprehensive overview of the material conditions of England's most important dramatic period. Gives readers facts and data along with up-to-date interpretation of the plays. Looks at the drama in terms of its cultural agency, its collaborative nature, and its ideological complexity.

The first comprehensive account of English Renaissance literature and the culture which shaped it.

An accessible, wide-ranging and informed introduction to Shakespeare's comedies, dark comedies and romances, first published in 2001.

Fourteen specially commissioned essays provide essential information about staging, playwrights, themes and genres in the drama of the Restoration.