Thomas of Woodstock (The Revels Plays) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0719080673 ISBN 13: 9780719080678

Publisher: Manchester University Press, 2009

Synopsis

This anonymous manuscript play has long been the subject of scholarly dispute regarding its relationship with Shakespeare’s Richard II. This edition, which thoroughly re-examines the text, situates the play within its historical and political context, relating it to the genre of chronicle drama to which it belongs. The manuscript is of particular interest in that it appears to have been used in the playhouse over a considerable period of time and contains what seems to be evidence of the theatre practice of the time. The play is also of special interest for its skilful and original handling of source material which may well have influenced Shakespeare’s Richard II. The extensive appendices drawn from Holinshed, Grafton and Stow provide the reader with the opportunity to investigate the manner in which the dramatist has shaped the material.

The editors argue for the play’s stage-worthiness and dramatic complexity, suggesting that its range both of dramatic tone and social inclusiveness indicate the work of a dramatist of considerable skill and subtlety, equal or superior to the Shakespeare of the Henry VI plays.

About this title

About the Authors

Peter Corbin is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Exeter

Douglas Sedge is Lecturer in English at the University of Exeter

From the Back Cover

This anonymous manuscript play has long been the subject of scholarly dispute regarding its relationship with Shakespeare’s Richard II. This edition, which thoroughly re-examines the text, situates the play within its historical and political context, relating it to the genre of chronicle drama to which it belongs. The manuscript is of particular interest in that it appears to have been used in the playhouse over a considerable period of time and contains what seems to be evidence of the theatre practice of the time. The play is also of special interest for its skilful and original handling of source material which may well have influenced Shakespeare’s Richard II. The extensive appendices drawn from Holinshed, Grafton and Stow provide the reader with the opportunity to investigate the manner in which the dramatist has shaped the material.

The editors argue for the play’s stage-worthiness and dramatic complexity, suggesting that its range both of dramatic tone and social inclusiveness indicate the work of a dramatist of considerable skill and subtlety, equal or superior to the Shakespeare of the Henry VI plays.

From the Inside Flap

This anonymous manuscript play has long been the subject of scholarly dispute regarding its relationship with Shakespeare s Richard II. This edition, which thoroughly re-examines the text, situates the play within its historical and political context, relating it to the genre of chronicle drama to which it belongs. The manuscript is of particular interest in that it appears to have been used in the playhouse over a considerable period of time and contains what seems to be evidence of the theatre practice of the time. The play is also of special interest for its skilful and original handling of source material which may well have influenced Shakespeare s Richard II. The extensive appendices drawn from Holinshed, Grafton and Stow provide the reader with the opportunity to investigate the manner in which the dramatist has shaped the material. The editors argue for the play s stage-worthiness and dramatic complexity, suggesting that its range both of dramatic tone and social inclusiveness indicate the work of a dramatist of considerable skill and subtlety, equal or superior to the Shakespeare of the Henry VI plays.

Edition details

• Publisher: Manchester University Press
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0719080673
• ISBN 13: 9780719080678
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 232
• Editor: Corbin Peter, Sedge Douglas