Newberry Library

Materials for the Study of the English Drama (Excluding Shakespeare) : A Selected List of Books in the Newberry Library

This book serves as an indispensable guide for readers and scholars delving into the rich tapestry of English drama and stage history. It meticulously compiles an array of resources from The Newberry Library, offering a focused lens on the evolution of theatrical expression from its earliest days to the threshold of contemporary discourse. By excluding magazine articles and Shakespearian literature, which is vast enough to merit its own catalog, the author provides a curated selection that emphasizes plays and playwrights that have significantly influenced both the acted and literary forms of drama.

Notably, it acknowledges the perennial divide between poetic drama and performance art, selecting works that have shown enduring value in academic and practical study environments.

Within this framework, the book navigates through bibliographies, critical analyses, biographies, collected works, and discussions on the development of theater in the United States, thereby situating English drama within a broader historical narrative. It also highlights gaps within existing collections and outlines efforts to bridge these lacunae, underscoring ongoing dialogues in dramatic scholarship.

Through this scholarly endeavor, readers are invited to explore beyond mainstream narratives into lesser-known territories of English theater's past. This book stands as a testament to how understanding dramatic arts contributes to broader cultural conversations.

Its compilation not only facilitates research but also enriches appreciation for the dynamic interplay between written word and performance that defines the essence of drama.