Romanticism and Theatrical Experience: Kean, Hazlitt and Keats in the Age of Theatrical News

This book explores Romantic-period writing in Britain by recovering theatrical criticism from newspapers and periodicals, offering new contexts for the work of Edmund Kean, William Hazlitt, and John Keats. It demonstrates the significance of theater to early nineteenth-century Londoners and the importance of theater's textual legacies for our understanding of Romanticism.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 292 pages
\n Publication date: 10 January 2019
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This book is a groundbreaking exploration of Romantic-period writing in Britain, bringing together studies in theater history, print culture, and literature. By recovering a wide range of theatrical criticism from newspapers and periodicals, some of which have been overlooked since their original publication in Regency London, Jonathan Mulrooney offers fresh perspectives on the work of renowned figures such as Edmund Kean, William Hazlitt, and John Keats. Kean's enduring presence in the theatrical news challenged traditional notions of personal subjectivity and reshaped the British theatrical tradition. Hazlitt and Keats, in turn, reimagined the roles of the essayist and poet within theatrical contexts, redefining Romantic prose and poetics. Together, these case studies demonstrate the profound significance of theater to early nineteenth-century Londoners and the enduring importance of theater's textual legacies for our understanding of Romanticism as a historical and cultural phenomenon.

Edmund Kean, the legendary actor of the Romantic era, left an indelible mark on British theater through his exceptional performances and captivating presence. Mulrooney's meticulous research uncovers a wealth of theatrical criticism from newspapers and periodicals, shedding light on previously overlooked works. One such example is his analysis of Kean's performance in Richard III, which challenged traditional notions of kingship and personal identity. Kean's portrayal of the villainous Richard III was a tour de force, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions and manipulate the audience's perception. Mulrooney's study reveals how Kean's performance influenced subsequent theatrical productions and contributed to the development of the tragic hero archetype.

William Hazlitt, another prominent essayist of the period, also left a lasting impact on Romantic-era literature. Mulrooney's study explores Hazlitt's essays on theater, which were published in newspapers and periodicals. Hazlitt's critical insights into the art of acting and the role of theater in shaping society were groundbreaking. He emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding between actors and audiences, and his essays provided valuable guidance for aspiring performers. Mulrooney's analysis reveals how Hazlitt's ideas influenced the development of theatrical criticism and shaped the way audiences perceived and evaluated theatrical performances.

John Keats, the renowned poet of the Romantic era, also found inspiration in the theater. Mulrooney's study explores how Keats's poetry was influenced by his experiences as a theatergoer and his observations of the theatrical world. Keats's poetry was characterized by its vivid imagery, emotional intensity, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. Mulrooney's analysis reveals how Keats's theatrical experiences shaped his poetic language and themes, and how his poetry resonated with audiences of the time.

In addition to these individual case studies, Mulrooney's book also provides a broader period context for Romantic-era writing. He explores how theater influenced other forms of literature, such as literature and painting, and how Romantic-era writers and artists drew inspiration from the theatrical world. Mulrooney's analysis reveals how theater was a vibrant and dynamic cultural phenomenon that played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual and artistic landscape of the period.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in Romantic-era writing, theater history, and cultural studies. Mulrooney's meticulous research and insightful analysis offer fresh perspectives on the work of these renowned figures and shed light on the complex interplay between theater, literature, and society period. This book will appeal to scholars, students, and general readers alike, and will contribute to our understanding of Romanticism as a historical and cultural phenomenon.

\n Weight: 602g\n
Dimension: 160 x 234 x 22 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781107183872\n \n