Reading Robert Greene: Recovering Shakespeare’s Rival

Robert Greene's book explores the scope of Elizabethan literature by analyzing his verse style, vocabulary, rhyming habits, and phraseology in his attested plays and comparing them to four plays on the margins of his corpus. It defines the ranges for Greenes stylistic habits and reveals parallels of thought, language, and dramaturgy, demonstrating his creative consciousness and collaborative nature. The book emphasizes the immediate surroundings in which Greene was writing, showcasing his influence on other writers of the period, including Shakespeare.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Robert Greene's profound influence on our understanding of Elizabethan literature is undeniable. In his groundbreaking work, "Elizabethan Playwrights: A Study in Style and Language," Greene undertakes a meticulous exploration to ascertain the breadth of the playwright's canon. Through a comprehensive analysis of Greene's verse style, vocabulary, rhyming habits, and phraseology in his attested plays, as well as in comparison to four plays that have long been marginalized within his corpus: "Locrine," "Selimus," "George a Greene," and "A Knack to Know a Knave," he offers the most rigorous attempt yet made to define the scope of the playwright's artistic output.

The book not only establishes the stylistic boundaries of Greene's writing but also uncovers striking parallels of thought, language, and overall dramaturgy that reveal a single author's creative consciousness. This volume sheds light on Greene as a more collaborative dramatist than previously recognized, emphasizing the vibrant theatrical environment in which he worked. During the flourishing of popular theatres in two compact areas of London, where each theatre company and their dramatists closely monitored the productions of their competitors, Greene emerged as a significant playwright. His restored oeuvre allows us to explore new avenues through which his dramatic methods influenced other writers of the period, including the legendary Shakespeare.

In conclusion, "Elizabethan Playwrights: A Study in Style and Language" by Robert Greene is a seminal work that revolutionizes our understanding of Elizabethan literature. Through meticulous analysis and a deep appreciation of the theatrical context, Greene provides us with a comprehensive view of the playwright's canon and sheds light on his collaborative spirit and the profound impact he had on his contemporaries, including the legendary Shakespeare. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the rich tapestry of Elizabethan drama and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032154091