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The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama: A Comprehensive Guide to the Plays of Shakespeare and His Contemporaries

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The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama

by Simon Barker

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6792 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	474 pages

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama is a comprehensive collection of plays from the Renaissance period, including works by William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and other renowned playwrights. Edited by David Bevington and Peter Holbrook, the anthology provides a wide range of perspectives on the development of English drama during the 16th and 17th centuries.

The anthology is divided into four parts, each of which focuses on a different period of Renaissance drama. Part One covers the early Tudor period (1485-1558),and includes plays by John Heywood and Nicholas Udall. Part Two covers the Elizabethan period (1558-1603),and includes plays by William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson. Part Three covers the Jacobean period (1603-1625),and includes plays by John Fletcher and Francis Beaumont. Part Four covers the Caroline period (1625-1642),and includes plays by Thomas Middleton and James Shirley.

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama is an essential resource for students and scholars of Renaissance drama. It provides a comprehensive overview of the development of English drama during this period, and includes a wide range of plays from a variety of genres. The anthology is also a valuable resource for actors and directors, as it provides a wealth of material for performance and study.

Significance of the Anthology

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama is a significant contribution to the study of Renaissance drama for several reasons. First, it provides a comprehensive overview of the development of English drama during this period. The anthology includes plays from a wide range of genres, including history plays, comedies, tragedies, and masques. This allows readers to see the development of different dramatic forms over time.

Second, the anthology includes a wide range of plays from a variety of playwrights. This allows readers to see the different styles and approaches to drama that were popular during the Renaissance. The anthology also includes plays by both major and minor playwrights, which provides a more complete picture of the dramatic landscape of the period.

Third, the anthology provides a wealth of contextual information about the plays. Each play is introduced by a brief essay that provides information about the playwright, the historical context of the play, and the play's critical reception. This information helps readers to understand the plays in their historical and cultural context.

Impact on the Study of Renaissance Drama

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama has had a significant impact on the study of Renaissance drama. The anthology has been used in classrooms and universities around the world, and it has helped to shape the way that scholars and students understand the development of English drama during this period.

The anthology has also been used as a resource for actors and directors. The anthology's comprehensive collection of plays has provided a wealth of material for performance and study. The anthology has also helped to raise the profile of Renaissance drama, and it has encouraged more people to explore the plays of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama is a valuable resource for students, scholars, actors, and directors. The anthology provides a comprehensive overview of the development of English drama during this period, and it includes a wide range of plays from a variety of genres. The anthology also provides a wealth of contextual information about the plays, which helps readers to understand them in their historical and cultural context.

The Routledge Anthology of Renaissance Drama

by Simon Barker

4.3 out of 5