Sheridan: The Track of a Comet

In 1972, Sheridan was published, portraying Richard Brinsley Sheridan's life, including his theatrical career, duels, and romances. It also offers a vivid depiction of the violent and turbulent theatrical world of London and Dublin in the 18th and 19th centuries. Madeleine Bingham explores why Sheridan chose to prioritize politics over his wit and satirical mind, revealing his struggles and the constraints of his heredity, upbringing, and family's past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1972, Sheridan is a comprehensive and vibrant portrayal of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, encompassing his triumphs, failures, fierce duels, and sudden romances, as well as his ascent to oratorical fame in the political arena. However, it extends beyond a mere biography, serving as a broad canvas that vividly depicts the turbulent and violent theatrical world of London and Dublin during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. During this time, an irate audience had the power to destroy a theatre, making it a perilous and unpredictable environment for performers. In this book, Madeleine Bingham delves into the reasons why Sheridan relegated himself to a secondary role in a field where his wit and satirical mind could have secured him an even greater measure of immortality and financial prosperity.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Bingham brings Sheridan, his family, and his entire world to life, offering a nuanced and empathetic understanding of his character. While Sheridan's actions may be subject to criticism at times, it is evident that he was bound by his heredity, upbringing, and the legacy of his family. This book appeals to students of history and literature, offering a valuable insight into the social, political, and theatrical landscape of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

First published in 1972, Sheridan is a comprehensive and vibrant portrayal of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, encompassing his triumphs, failures, fierce duels, and sudden romances, as well as his ascent to oratorical fame in the political arena. However, it extends beyond a mere biography, serving as a broad canvas that vividly depicts the turbulent and violent theatrical world of London and Dublin during the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. During this time, an irate audience had the power to destroy a theatre, making it a perilous and unpredictable environment for performers. In this book, Madeleine Bingham delves into the reasons why Sheridan relegated himself to a secondary role in a field where his wit and satirical mind could have secured him an even greater measure of immortality and financial prosperity.

Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Bingham brings Sheridan, his family, and his entire world to life, offering a nuanced and empathetic understanding of his character. While Sheridan's actions may be subject to criticism at times, it is evident that he was bound by his heredity, upbringing, and the legacy of his family. This book appeals to students of history and literature, offering a valuable insight into the social, political, and theatrical landscape of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Weight: 898g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032568409