Persia in Early Modern English Drama, 1530-1699: The Imagined Empire

This book explores the representation of the Persian empire in English drama from the 1530s to the 1690s, tracing the changes and developments in the dramatic use of Persia and its people over one and a half centuries. It examines what Persia signified to English playwrights and audiences, the ideas and associations conjured up by mention of 'Persia', and how ideas about Persia changed with the development of global travel and trade.

Format: Hardback
Length: 295 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the portrayal of the Persian empire in English drama across the early modern period, spanning from the 1530s to the 1690s. With a wide scope that encompasses thirteen dramatic entertainments, both canonical and lesser-known, it offers a rich exploration of the evolving representations of Persia and its people over a span of one and a half centuries. The book delves into the significance of Persia to English playwrights and audiences during this time, examining the ideas and associations evoked by the mention of 'Persia' and the sources of information about the region. Furthermore, it considers how notions about Persia underwent transformations with the advent of global travel and trade, as English individuals encountered Persians for the first time. By addressing these critical themes, this book not only provides a detailed examination of the representation of Persia in dramatic material but also sheds light on the broader relationship between travel, politics, and the theatre in early modern England.

This book explores the representation of the Persian empire in English drama across the early modern period, from the 1530s to the 1690s. It examines the changes and developments in the dramatic use of Persia and its people over one and a half centuries, encompassing thirteen dramatic entertainments, both canonical and lesser-known. The book investigates the significance of Persia to English playwrights and audiences, exploring the ideas and associations conjured up by the mention of 'Persia' and the sources of information about the region. It also considers how notions about Persia changed with the development of global travel and trade, as English individuals encountered Persians for the first time.

The book provides an examination not only of the representation of Persia in dramatic material but also of the broader relationship between travel, politics, and the theatre in early modern England. It explores how the representation of Persia in drama reflected and influenced the broader cultural and political context of the period, including the Elizabethan era's tensions with Spain and the rise of Protestantism.

Through its detailed analysis, this book offers valuable insights into the complex and multifaceted relationship between England, Persia, and the theatre in early modern history, shedding light on the ways period's cultural, political, and social dynamics.

Weight: 529g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031226175
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023