Shakespeare in His Own Age

A selection of articles examining aspects of Elizabethan life and thought which have received little attention.

Allardyce Nicoll (Author)

9780521291293, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 7 October 1976

316 pages
24.6 x 18.9 x 1.7 cm, 0.57 kg

This selection of articles, with Shakespeare's genius as the hub, treats aspects of Elizabethan life and thought which have either received little attention or which seem to demand reappraisal. The book is arranged in three sections. The first deals with the physical environment: life in London and in the country; the importance of the sea to the Elizabethans and the way they viewed foreigners; education, legal practices and prisons. The second section opens with a summary of the orthodox political philosophy of the period which is countered with the views of non-conformist groups and individuals; next examined is the nature of scientific thought and the extent of medical knowledge, the events, traditions and inhabitants of the world of Elizabethan folklore, and the potency of symbols in the life, literature and art of that time. The final section is devoted to the arts and entertainment with a focus on theatre, printing and books, music and balladry, and finally, the Elizabethan's vital and resourceful use of language.

List of plates
Editorial preface
Part I. The Daily Life: 1. London and the court T. F. Reddaway
2. Provincial life W. G. Hoskins
3. Sailors and the sea D. B. Quinn
4. Elizabethans and foreigners G. K. Hunter
5. Education and apprenticeship M. H. Curtis
6. The law and the lawyers E. W. Ives
7. London's prisons Clifford Dobb
Part II. Philosophy and Fancy: 8. The Commonwealth Philip Styles
9. Dissent and satire Bernard Harris
10. Scientific thought Marie Boas Hall
11. Medicine and public health F. N. L. Poynter
12. The folds of folklore Katharine M. Briggs
13. Symbols and significances G. Pellegrini
Part III. Art and Entertainment: 14. Actors and theatres William A. Armstrong
15. The printing of books Arthur Brown
16. Music and ballads F. W. Sternfeld
17. The foundations of Elizabethan language Muriel St Clare Byrne
Notes
Index.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]