Subject
English drama -- Early modern and Elizabethan, 1500-1600 -- History and criticism Books
Best books
E. K. (Edmund Kerchever) Chambers
The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 2
"The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 2" by E. K. Chambers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book delves into the vibrant theatrical scene of the Elizabethan era, detailing various acting companies and the intricacies of performance culture during that time. It primarily focuses on the classification and history of theatrical companies and their performances in London from 1558 to 1616. At the start of the volume, the author introduces the framework for examining the theatrical companies of the period, discussing the dominance of boy companies in early Elizabethan drama. The introduction highlights how the Children of Paul’s, among others, played a significant role in court performances, particularly before adult companies found a firm footing. Chambers sets the stage for a detailed chronicle of various acting troupes and the evolution of performance spaces, hinting at the competitive nature of this theatrical landscape and the shifts in popularity between child and adult performers throughout the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
E. K. (Edmund Kerchever) Chambers
The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 1
"The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 1" by E. K. Chambers is an historical account written in the early 20th century. This in-depth study explores the development of the Elizabethan stage as an institution, examining its origins and the socio-economic conditions that contributed to its evolution. The work focuses particularly on the Elizabethan Court and the theatrical practices that emerged during this vibrant period. At the start of the text, the author sets the stage for a comprehensive exploration of the cultural and historical context of theatre in the Elizabethan era. Chambers reflects on his previous research and outlines the contents of this volume, which will cover topics such as pageantry, court plays, and the relationship between theatrical performances and the Court. He provides insight into the significant social forces at play during this time and emphasizes the layering of new research and perspectives that have informed his work over two decades. The tone is academic, establishing a strong foundation for the detailed analysis that will follow in subsequent chapters.
E. K. (Edmund Kerchever) Chambers
The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 3
"The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 3" by E. K. Chambers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on the various aspects of staging during the Elizabethan era, particularly at the Court and in public theatres. The book delves into the intricacies of staging practices, theatrical innovations, and the influence of earlier traditions on the development of stagecraft during the Renaissance. At the start of the work, Chambers introduces the topic of scenic representation in Elizabethan theatre, emphasizing the importance of stage settings to support the complex plots found in contemporary plays. He discusses how various historical influences shaped the standards of staging, from early Renaissance practices to the evolving demands of the audience. As he outlines the transition from simple setups to more elaborate designs, Chambers highlights specific examples and concepts drawn from Italian staging traditions, illustrating how they impacted the English theatre scene, especially at the Court of Elizabeth I.
E. K. (Edmund Kerchever) Chambers
The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 4
"The Elizabethan Stage, Vol. 4" by E. K. Chambers is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This volume serves as a comprehensive examination of Elizabethan theatre, focusing on various plays, masks, and entertainments of that era, as well as documents illustrating the cultural and critical reception of these works. The text provides critical analysis and references to a wide range of theatrical productions, including both attributed and anonymous works. The opening of this volume presents a structured outline of its contents, indicating a scholarly approach to the complexities of Elizabethan drama. It lists various anonymous plays and masks, showcasing their registration and performance history. Chambers introduces significant works such as "Arden of Feversham," "Apius and Virginia," and more, discussing authorship debates and the context in which these works were produced. This methodical framing sets the stage for a detailed exploration of Elizabethan theatrical practices, inviting readers to delve deeper into the dynamic world of 16th-century performance arts.
W. W. (Walter Wilson) Greg
Pastoral Poetry & Pastoral Drama A Literary Inquiry, with Special Reference to the Pre-Restoration Stage in England
"Pastoral Poetry & Pastoral Drama" by W. W. Greg is a literary inquiry published in the early 20th century. This work explores the evolution and significance of pastoral literature, with a particular emphasis on pre-Restoration English pastoral drama and its foundations in the broader European pastoral tradition. Greg investigates various forms of pastoral poetry and drama, tracing their origins and transformations across centuries. The opening of the inquiry outlines Greg's motivation for writing this extensive examination. He details a decade-long journey that began with a short article on English pastoral drama, emphasizing its necessity for a nuanced understanding of broader European pastoralism. The text introduces the complex nature of pastoral literature, which often blurs the lines between reality and artistic idealization, and sets the stage for a more intricate analysis of its historical and literary development, starting with foreign influences before navigating through English pastoral practices.
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher
"Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, Beaumont and Fletcher" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is a critical examination of the works of these renowned playwrights, written in the late 19th century. This literary work provides detailed notes and lectures analyzing the drama, poetic elements, and characterizations within their plays, focusing particularly on Shakespeare's contributions to the theatrical landscape. Coleridge delves into the intricacies of poetry and drama, exploring the significance of these authors in the evolution of literary expression. The opening of Coleridge’s work lays a foundation for understanding the essence of poetry and its distinctions from other forms of writing, such as science and prose. It begins with a definition of poetry that highlights its role in evoking pleasure and emotional resonance. Furthermore, Coleridge reflects on the characteristics of Greek drama and its evolution into the more complex forms found in Shakespeare's works. He discusses the rich interplay between tragic and comic elements and emphasizes the necessity of audience engagement in drama, setting the stage for deeper analyses of individual plays from Shakespeare and his contemporaries.
Henry Norman Hudson
Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I. With An Historical Sketch Of The Origin And Growth Of The Drama In England
"Shakespeare: His Life, Art, And Characters, Volume I." by Henry Norman Hudson is a biographical work written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life, artistic contributions, and dramatic characters of William Shakespeare, providing an in-depth historical context regarding the evolution of English drama. Hudson explores Shakespeare's heritage, personal life, and his significant influence on literature and theater. The opening of the text introduces the subject matter by emphasizing Shakespeare's renowned status as the preeminent figure in literature. It outlines the scant historical documentation surrounding his life and discusses previous attempts at biographical accounts, highlighting their reliance on traditional materials. Hudson begins to trace Shakespeare’s lineage, detailing the lives of his parents, John and Mary Shakespeare, their socioeconomic status, and significant events in their lives that may have shaped Shakespeare's future, including the connections to the burgeoning world of drama in England. This establishes the groundwork for a fuller exploration of Shakespeare's artistic journey and the cultural backdrop against which his works were created.
E. Allison (Edgar Allison) Peers
Elizabethan Drama and Its Mad Folk The Harness Prize Essay for 1913
"Elizabethan Drama and Its Mad Folk" by E. Allison Peers is a scholarly examination of the representation of madness in early modern drama written in the early 20th century. The text explores how insanity is depicted within different plays, considering both historical perspectives on mental illness and literary portrayals of mad characters. Peers aims to elucidate the prevalence and significance of madness in the works of Elizabethan playwrights, revealing how these representations reflect societal attitudes towards mental health and disease. The opening of the work introduces the author's premises, emphasizing the historical and literary importance of studying madness within Elizabethan drama. Peers argues that understanding how madness was presented can provide insights into the progress of societal attitudes toward mental illness during that era. He notes that the paper will consider madness from both historical and literary perspectives, focusing on various types of mad characters found in tragedy and comedy. Additionally, the author clarifies his approach will be literary rather than medical, aiming to interpret the dramatist's perspective while acknowledging the complexities of mental illness's portrayal in their works.
Algernon Charles Swinburne
The Age of Shakespeare
"The Age of Shakespeare" by Algernon Charles Swinburne is a literary criticism written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the lives and contributions of prominent playwrights and poets from the era of Shakespeare, notably Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, and Thomas Dekker, among others, while also exploring their influence on Shakespeare's writing and the context of their times. At the start of the text, the author pays homage to Christopher Marlowe, identifying him as the first great English poet who established the potential of English blank verse. Swinburne emphasizes Marlowe's groundbreaking work, particularly in tragedy, highlighting plays like "Tamburlaine" and "Doctor Faustus." He discusses Marlowe’s stylistic innovations and sets the stage for a broader examination of other contemporaries, like Webster and Dekker, whom he believes also shaped the landscape of English theater. The opening sets a tone of deep admiration for Marlowe's genius and the literary revolution that marked the age, establishing a foundation for the critical exploration that follows.
James Russell Lowell
The old English dramatists
"The Old English Dramatists" by James Russell Lowell is a critical work that appears to have been written in the late 19th century. This examination consists of lectures focusing on the prominent figures of English drama during the Elizabethan era, notably Christopher Marlowe, John Webster, and others who shaped the landscape of early English theatre. Lowell aims to explore the qualities, significance, and legacy of these playwrights, highlighting their contributions to drama and literature that still resonate today. The opening of the work provides a reflective introduction to Lowell's thoughts on lecturing and the challenges of distilling thoughts into a structured presentation. He recalls his own experiences lecturing thirty-two years prior and his long-standing affinity for Old English dramatists. Lowell expresses his understanding of the historical context and the literary evolution leading to the period of the dramatists he intends to discuss, contrasting their works with those of Shakespeare. He discusses the development of language and how it helped elevate the dramatic arts, setting the stage for a deep dive into a rich tapestry of literary criticism and exploration of these writers.
Arnold Wynne
The Growth of English Drama
"The Growth of English Drama" by Arnold Wynne is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work explores the development of English drama from its early church roots through to the rise of various dramatic forms, including moralities and interludes. It aims to provide a comprehensive look at early English plays, detailing their plots, characters, and the evolution of theatrical practices. The opening of the book introduces the significance of early church drama and its transition into a more vibrant form of performance. Wynne discusses how early ecclesiastics began incorporating dramatizations into religious practices, such as the "Quem quaeritis?", which laid the groundwork for later forms of drama. He also traces the clumsy efforts to revive classical methods within the sacred realm, leading to a more dynamic storytelling format that thrived amidst ecclesiastical traditions. This sets the stage for the following chapters, which promise to delve deeper into specific genres and influential figures in the growth of English drama.
Vernon Lee
Euphorion - Vol. I Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediaeval in the Renaissance
"Euphorion: Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediæval in the Renaissance" by Vernon Lee is a scholarly work written in the late 19th century. The book explores the complex interplay between the Medieval and Classical influences during the Renaissance, using the allegory of Faustus and Helena to symbolize the cultural lineage of that era. Through this lens, Lee aims to delve into the evolving nature of cultural knowledge and moral understanding, particularly in the context of Renaissance Italy. The opening of the book sets the stage for a profound examination of the Renaissance as a pivotal moment in the history of human thought and artistic expression. Lee introduces the characters of Faustus, representing the Middle Ages, and Helena, embodying Antiquity, discussing their symbolic child, Euphorion, which he identifies as the Renaissance itself. This section contemplates the contradictions inherent in the Renaissance—its remarkable advancements juxtaposed against moral degradation—framing this cultural period as a phase of both enlightenment and chaos. The analytical tone invites readers to consider not only the historical context of the Renaissance but also its lasting implications on modern civilization.
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