Shakespeare's Theatre - Softcover

Langley, Andrew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0199105669 ISBN 13: 9780199105663

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2000

Synopsis

Shakespeare's Theatre is a tale of two theatres: the original Globe on the bank of the Thames in London, opened in 1599, and its modern reconstructed twin, built in almost exactly the same spot and opened nearly 400 years later. William Shakespeare wrote his finest plays with the Globe in mind, and acted on its stage as a member of the troupe that performed there.
This lavishly illustrated book, issued in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the Globe, chronicles the original setting and use of the theatre as well as the reconstruction, over the past 15 years, of the imposing structure in modern London. June Everett, Artist of the Record at the Globe Theatre, has commemorated the rebuilding project--from the laying of the foundation to the opening ceremony and first performance on its stage--in a series of inspired watercolors that evoke the atmosphere of the site. The paintings are supplemented by photographs and contemporary drawings that perfectly illustrate Andrew Langley's lively and accessible text. A chronology of Shakespeare's life and lists of his plays in order of first performance and of the London theatres at the beginning of the 17th century round off this volume.

About this title

About the Author

Andrew Langley is a highly successful and widely experienced author of children's reference.

Review

"Photographs and drawings of recent productions put readers in the audience at a theater bright with richly colored tapestries, faux-marble pillars, and gold-leafed ceilings... Langley's brief text, enhanced by well-chosen paintings and photos, is a solid and appealing introduction to Elizabethan theater for older readers."--School Library Journal (starred review)

"This factual, focused and lively history is illustrated with 17 years' worth of paintings and drawings rendered by Everett, the 'Artist of the Record' for the recent renovation of the Globe Theatre... The drawings and photographs... make Elizabethan architecture and theatrical style come alive. Everett has an eye for space and detail... The prose is clear and peppered with interesting tidbits about Elizabethan life... Future architects and actors will love this thorough and appealing history, as will anyone interested in the Elizabethan age."--Publishers Weekly

"There are many books about Shakespeare's theatre, but I doubt you'll find another that approaches the subject from Langley's modern point of view.... Reads like a storybook with beautiful paintings.... This book has it all. Beautifully written, illustrated, and printed, it will be a popular resource for students of Shakespeare, architecture, history, or literature. Highly Recommended."--Book Report (starred review)

"The Bard's life and times, brilliantly brought to life in the tale of London's Globe, its past glory and remarkable reconstruction."--Smithsonian

"There's a clever parallel structure in this book about the old and new Globe theatres... This intricate relationship between and image will intrigue sophisticated readers... In addition to the theater structure itself, Langley describes theatre practices of the day showing readers what it was like onstage, backstage, and in the audience."--Booklist

"A fascinating, step-by-step look at [the rebuilding of the Globe]. Everett provides breathtaking watercolors and sketches. Just the ticket for any thespian."--Atlanta Journal Constitution

Edition details

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0199105669
• ISBN 13: 9780199105663
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 48