History of Theatre - Hardcover

Grant, Neil

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 060059632X ISBN 13: 9780600596325

Publisher: Hamlyn, 2002

Synopsis

All the world's a stage--and this all-encompassing history of theatre presents stages throughout the world, placed in their historical and geographical contexts. The key dramatists and their works, major actors, and critical writers take their bows, backed up by memorable quotations and more than 150 illustrations. Go back to the Ancient World, to dance drama, comic and tragic Greek theatre, and Roman entertainments. The wide range of Oriental styles covered include those from India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan, as well as puppet theatre. Imagine what it would have been like to see plays during the age of Shakespeare, by Molière and the Comédie Française, in the heyday of Italian opera, or by Brecht's company in Germany. Ballet, pantomime, circus, provincial theatre-nothing is forgotten! A Selection of Stage & Screen Book Club.

About this title

About the Author:

Neil Grant is a professional writer, trained as a historian. He has written many books on social and cultural history, including 'History of Literature'. He has written about authors as far removed as J.M. Barrie and the Marquis de Sade.

From Library Journal:

A professional writer and historian, Grant (Scottish Clans and Tartans, etc.) provides a brief history of world theater, from the earliest times to the present. While he emphasizes Western traditions, he also provides glimpses of other cultures, including those of India, Southeast Asia, China, and Japan. Also covered are related performing arts, such as ballet, opera, and puppet theater, which are discussed in light of their relationship with, and effects upon, Western theater. Grant's analysis includes a mixture of literary, archaeological, and historical evidence, and his metaphorical prose provides a pleasurable and insightful discussion of theater in a social context. The result is an oversized tome that has the appearance of an attractive, quality coffee-table book meant for browsing. There is nothing new here for theater collections with any substantial encyclopedia of world theater, but the more than 150 illustrations, including photographs, portraits, paintings, and historical playbills, are a real treat. Laura A. Ewald, Murray State Univ. Lib., KY
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hamlyn
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 060059632X
• ISBN 13: 9780600596325
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192