The Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Drama

This essential guide covers the key theatres, playwrights, and plays of English drama from 1580 to 1642, providing valuable insights for students and enthusiasts alike.

The Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Drama offers a comprehensive overview of the vital period in English drama from 1580 to 1642. This second edition provides students with current factual and interpretative insights regarding the key theatres, playwrights, and plays that shaped the era. Each essay has been meticulously revised, ensuring that references are up to date, and an expanded biographical and bibliographical section enriches the reader's understanding of the dramatists featured in the book.

The book features three extensive chapters that delve into the theatres, dramaturgy, and the social, cultural, and political contexts surrounding the drama of this significant period. Following these foundational chapters, various theatrical genres are explored, including private and occasional drama, political plays, heroic plays, burlesque, comedy, and tragedy. The final essay focuses on the drama produced during the reign of Charles I, providing a well-rounded perspective on the evolution of English Renaissance theatre.

Additionally, the Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Drama includes a chronological table listing new plays performed from 1497 to 1642, alongside a parallel list of major political and theatrical events. This resource not only serves as an essential guide for students but also as a valuable reference for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of English Renaissance drama.