The English Actor: From Medieval to Modern

Hardback. First edition. 412pp. A study of the English actor (and a few actors from elsewhere who learnt their trade mainly in England) from the medieval passion and mystery plays through the Elizabethan players, the Jacobean tragedians, the Restoration and the the rise of female actors through the more recognisable eighteenth, nineteenth century and twentieth century actors including cinema. Includes several chapters focusing on the women actors of their eras. Whilst there is a strong focus on Shakespeare from the Elizabethan era to the Royal Skespeare Company, many other playwrights are considered such as Edward Bond and Bertolt Brecht. There is also a focus on other aspects such as the actor manager or the nature, tastes and influece of audiences.