Playbooks and their Readers in Early Modern England

This book explores the popularity of commercial drama in early modern England by examining the format and content of single-play quarto playbooks. It analyzes historical traces of playreading in extant playbooks and manuscript commonplace books to provide more detailed and nuanced conclusions than previous studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is a comprehensive exploration of commercial drama as a reading genre in early modern England. With a primary focus on pre-Restoration printed dramas, particularly the single-play quarto playbook, it delves into the enigmatic world of these playbooks, seeking to unravel the secrets of their earliest readers, their motivations for engaging with contemporary commercial drama, and their reactions to the printed versions of plays that had originally been performed in the bustling playhouses of early modern London. By juxtaposing the implications of material and paratextual evidence with an analysis of historical traces of playreading in extant playbooks and manuscript commonplace books, the book offers a more detailed and nuanced understanding of the genre than previous studies, which have been limited to works by one author or a single type of evidence.

The single-play quarto playbook, which was the most prevalent format for pre-Restoration printed dramas, serves as the focal point of this study. By examining the form and content of these playbooks, the book aims to shed light on the identities of their earliest readers, the reasons behind their interest in contemporary commercial drama, and the ways in which they engaged with the printed versions of plays that had initially been performed in the lively playhouses of early modern London.

The book begins by tracing the historical development of commercial drama in early modern England, highlighting the emergence of professional playwrights and the growth of the playhouse industry. It then delves into the characteristics of single-play quarto playbooks, including their format, typography, and illustrations. By analyzing the content of these playbooks, the book explores the themes, characters, and social commentary present in contemporary commercial drama, shedding light on the concerns and values of its earliest readers.

Furthermore, the book employs a range of analytical techniques, including close reading, paratextual analysis, and historical tracing, to unravel the complexities of playreading in early modern England. It examines the material evidence of playreading, such as annotations, marginalia, and ownership marks, to understand how playbooks were used and interpreted by their readers. By comparing these traces with historical records and other sources, the book presents a rich and detailed account of the ways in which plays were read and enjoyed by early modern audiences.

In conclusion, this book is a vital contribution to the study of early modern literature and culture. By exploring the world of commercial drama as a reading genre, it offers a fresh perspective on the social, political, and cultural dynamics of early modern England. It provides valuable insights into the lives and experiences of early modern readers, their relationships with plays, and their contributions to the development of the literary and theatrical traditions of the period.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032232546