List of illustrations -- Acknowledgements -- Preface to the second edition -- List of abbreviations and conventions -- Introduction. Style and genre : heap of rubbish, salty comedy, or what? -- The play in its time -- Symmetrical structures -- Interpreting the language -- Cressida -- Literary identity -- Scepticism and speculation -- The play in performance -- The play since 2000 / by Anthony B. Dawson and Gretchen E. Minton -- Staging the staging -- Note on the text -- A never writer to an ever reader : news -- List of characters -- The play -- Textual analysis -- Appendix : sources of the play -- Reading list.
Summary:
"This second edition of Troilus and Cressida, a play that has long been considered difficult but is now popular both on the stage and in criticism, features an expanded and updated introduction and reading list. The first edition has been praised for its careful rethinking of the text, excellent annotation, lively attention to performance and extensive coverage of the play's major concerns. This updated edition retains these characteristics. In addition, Gretchen Minton and Anthony B. Dawson have provided a new account of the critical and theatrical treatment of Troilus and Cressida over the last fifteen years, showing how modern audiences have become attuned to the play's sardonic undercutting of both the medieval romance of the title characters and the Homeric tale of the Trojan War. Recent performance history is placed against a broader background of social change, including shifting attitudes towards war, political decision-making, gender politics, and fear of disease and contagion"-- Provided by publisher. "Troilus and Cressida, long considered one of Shakespeare's most problematic plays, is both difficult and fascinating. Largely neglected during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, it has recently proved popular and rewarding on the stage as well as in the study. This edition questions certain received ideas about the play's text, especially the relationship between Quarto and Folio, and offers several new readings of old problems"-- Provided by publisher.
Series:
The New Cambridge Shakespeare Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616. Works. 1984. Cambridge University Press.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.