Shakespeare and the Admiral's Men: Reading across Repertories on the London Stage, 1594-1600

The Admiral's Men were the main competitors of Shakespeare's company in the London theatres, and their playwrights invented the genres of humor comedy and city comedy. This book is the first to read the Admiral's repertory against Shakespeare's plays of the 1590s, showing how Shakespeare drew on their innovations and how his plays influenced them.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 236 pages
\n Publication date: 01 April 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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The Admiral's Men, a prominent theatrical group in London during the 1590s, emerged as a fierce rival to Shakespeare's company. Not only did they revive old plays by renowned dramatists like Christopher Marlowe and Thomas Kyd, but they also pioneered new genres of comedy. One such genre was the "humours comedy," exemplified by their play "An Humorous Day's Mirth." Additionally, they introduced the "city comedy" with "Englishmen for My Money." Furthermore, their repertoire included significant new plays such as "A Knack to Know an Honest Man" and "The Downfall of Robert, Earl of Huntingdon," which had a profound influence on Shakespeare's work.

This groundbreaking book is the first to compare the Admiral's repertory with Shakespeare's plays from the 1590s. It reveals the intricate interplay between Shakespeare and his contemporaries, showcasing how Shakespeare drew inspiration from their innovations and how, in turn, his plays influenced the Admiral's dramatists. By providing detailed analysis of both well-known and lesser-known plays, the book offers a fresh perspective on the dramatic culture of the 1590s. It sheds new light on the influences and collaborations that shaped the theatrical landscape of that era, contributing to our understanding of Shakespeare's genius and the broader cultural context of his works.

\n Weight: 358g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 16 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781107434387\n \n