Shakespeare and Theatrical Patronage in Early Modern England

A wide-ranging 2002 study of patronage, relating to Shakespeare and the culture of his time.

Paul Whitfield White (Edited by), Suzanne R. Westfall (Edited by)

9780521034302, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 14 December 2006

336 pages, 5 b/w illus.
22.7 x 15.1 x 1.9 cm, 0.503 kg

'This book offers a rich array of studies … it will act as a stimulus for other scholars.' Cahiers Elisabethains

During the past quarter of a century, the study of patronage-theatre relations in early modern England has developed considerably. This, however, is an extensive, wide-ranging and representative 2002 study of patronage as it relates to Shakespeare and the theatrical culture of his time. Twelve distinguished theatre historians address such questions as: What important functions did patronage have for the theatre during this period? How, in turn, did the theatre impact and represent patronage? Where do paying spectators and purchasers of printed drama fit into the discussion of patronage? The authors also show how patronage practices changed and developed from the early Tudor period to the years in which Shakespeare was the English theatre's leading artist. This important book will appeal to scholars of Renaissance social history as well as those who focus on Shakespeare and his playwriting contemporaries.

List of illustrations
List of contributors
Introduction: Shakespeare and theatrical patronage in early modern England Paul Whitfield White and Suzanne R. Westfall
Part I. Theories and Histories: 1. 'The useless dearness of the diamond': theories of patronage theatre Suzanne R. Westfall
Part II. Shakespearean Patronage: 2. The King's Men's king's men: Shakespeare and folio patronage David M. Bergeron
3. Shakespeare, the Cobhams and the dynamics of theatrical patronage Paul Whitfield White
4. Shakespeare, noble patrons and the pleasures of 'common' playing Leeds Barroll
Part III. From Medieval to Early Modern: 5. 'What revels are in hand?': marriage celebrations and patronage of the arts in Renaissance England David Bevington and Milla Riggio
6. The city as patron: York Alexandra F. Johnston
7. Theatrical patronage and the urban community during the reign of Mary Mary A. Blackstone
Part IV. Patrons, Players and Audiences: 8. Privy Councilors as theatre patrons Andrew Gurr
9. Tracking Leicester's Men: the patronage of a performance troupe Sally-Beth MacLean
10. Patronage and the companies of boy actors Michael Shapiro
11. The audience as patron: The Knight of the Burning Pestle Alexander Leggatt
Index.

Subject Areas: Theatre studies [AN]