How was it possible for drama, especially biblical representations, to appear in the Christian West given the church's condemnation of the theatrum of the ancient world?In a book with radical implications for the study of medieval literature, Lawrence Clopper resolves this perplexing question. Drama, Play, and Game demonstrates that the theatrum repudiated by medieval clerics was not "theater" as we understand the term today. Clopper contends that critics have misrepresented Western stage history because they have assumed that theatrum designates a place where drama is performed. While theatrum was thought of as a site of spectacle during the Middle Ages, the term was more closely connected with immodest behavior and lurid forms of festive culture. Clerics were not opposed to liturgical representations in churches, but they strove ardently to suppress May games, ludi, festivals, and liturgical parodies. Medieval drama, then, stemmed from a more vernacular tradition than previously acknowledged-one developed by England's laity outside the boundaries of clerical rule.

Throughout the seventeenth century, early modern play readers and playgoers copied dramatic extracts into their commonplace books, verse miscellanies, diaries, and songbooks. This is the first book to examine these often overlooked texts, which reveal what early modern audiences and readers took, literally and figuratively, from plays.

A reference book which indexes all the characters who appear in English drama from 1500 to 1660.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1860.

A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 3 offers readers a captivating glimpse into the world of Elizabethan drama, presenting a range of diverse plays from the early modern period. The literary style of these works reflects the rich tapestry of English literature from the era, with intricate plots, dynamic characters, and engaging dialogue that transport readers back in time. This collection is essential for anyone interested in the development of English drama and the cultural context in which these plays were written. Each play also comes with informative annotations that provide valuable insights into the historical and linguistic nuances of the text. Various' meticulous curation of these plays demonstrates a deep understanding of the period and a commitment to preserving these literary treasures for future generations. Their selection of works showcases the diversity and creativity of the early modern playwrights, shedding light on the social and political issues of the time. A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 3 is a must-read for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of English literature who wish to explore the richness of Elizabethan drama.

Reproduction of the original. The publishing house Megali specialises in reproducing historical works in large print to make reading easier for people with impaired vision.