French Theatre in the Neo-classical Era, 1550–1789

This 1997 book covers the period which saw the establishment in France of a centralized official theatre - not only the Comédie-Française (the first 'national' theatre), but an Italian theatre and a state opera; the often subversive independent theatres are also discussed. Nearly 1,000 documents deal with censorship and other aspects of external control, company management, the acting profession, dramatic theory and criticism, theatre architecture, settings and costumes, audience composition and behaviour. Over 120 pictorial documents - architectural drawings, technical engravings, frontispieces, portraits, etc. - provide a visual dimension where relevant. A full linking narrative and a copious bibliography help to make this an important reference work and a valuable research tool.

Reviews & endorsements

Review of the hardback: 'The book is put together by a team of specialists in theatre history. It presents a very complete picture - all the main documents are present, at least in extract. But the beauty of this collection is that it is a serious and comprehensive research tool, which yet leaves the reader's imagination free to roam.' The Times Literary Supplement

Customer reviews

Product details

• Date Published: June 2009
• format: Paperback
• isbn: 9780521100878
• length: 764 pages

• dimensions: 229 x 152 x 39 mm
• weight: 1.01kg
• contains: 129 b/w illus.
• availability: Available