English Drama 1660-1700

New
Hardcover
1996
$352.22

This magisterial work forms a close critical study of all the surviving plays first written and professionally premiered in England between 1660 and 1700. Hughes's readable volume analyses many texts, often in detail and for the first time, and also places them within the range of contemporary theatrical output, with its diversity of outlook and constant shifts in fashion and subject. The Country-Wife and The Man of Mode are treated not as typical `Restoration Comedies' but as almost unique plays. Hughes also presents innovative work on the politcal, intellectual, and social background of the corpus, with extensive discussion of its treatment of women and the contribution of women dramatists.

Synopsis

This magisterial work forms a close critical study of all the surviving plays first written and professionally premiered in England between 1660 and 1700. Hughes's readable volume analyses many texts, often in detail and for the first time, and also places them within the range of contemporary theatrical output, with its diversity of outlook and constant shifts in fashion and subject. The Country-Wife and The Man of Mode are treated not as typical `Restoration Comedies' but as almost unique plays. Hughes also presents innovative work on the politcal, intellectual, and social background of the corpus, with extensive discussion of its treatment of women and the contribution of women dramatists.

$352.22

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 516
Edition: 1st edn
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Published: 28 Mar 1996
ISBN 10: 0198119747
ISBN 13: 9780198119746
Book Overview: Named as an Outstanding Academic Book of 1997 by CHOICE

Media Reviews

This is the most comprehensive survey of English drama of the late seventeenth-century since Robert D Hume's The Development of English Drama in the Late Seventeenth Century * Restoration *
The book is excellent in conveying the importance of political events on the type of plays staged. Derek Hughes has written what will be the most authoritative book on Restoration drama for some time to come. Painstakingly researched and always readable, this monumental work provides the reader with new and challenging insights into the drama of the period and, in doing so, contributes greatly to the field of Theatre Studies. * Rebecca D'Monte, Birkbeck College, London, Theatre Research International, Vol. 22, No. 1 1997 *
it represents a major and original contribution to our understanding of late seventeenth century English drama ... Factually and technically, this book presents few problems. In particular, Hughes takes greater pains than most scholars to ascribe the most accurate premiere date for the plays ... The grace with which Hughes handles the material and the amount of detail he offers on almost all of the plays discussed is truly impressive. * Paul D Cannan, Modern Philosophy, August 1999, Vol 97, no 1 *
a fascinating ... book ... an invaluable text-book for student and researcher alike * Jane Milling, New Theatre Quarterly *