First ever printed edition, a rare example of an amateur play from the English Renaissance. One of four anonymous early 17th century manuscript plays preserved in a manuscript miscellany in the library of the Newdigate family of Arbury Hall, Nuneaton (Arbury Hall MS A414). The play, which appears to have been written by family member and drama lover John Newdigate III (1600-1642), is thought to be unique to this manuscript. This edition makes the play available in print for the first time. Five plates (pages xxvii-xxxi) depict two images from the original manuscript and three images from the microform of the play held elsewhere. Includes bibliographical references.
Summary:
An Italianate city comedy based on a tale from Boccaccio's Decameron. It tells the story of Albert, a friar who seduces Lisetta, a beautiful Venetian merchant's wife by persuading her that he is the incarnation of Cupid. Albert's plot is eventually uncovered by Lisetta's brothers, whom he escapes by disguising himself in a bear's skin. The play is a fascinating example of an amateur manuscript drama, of interest to all scholars and students of early modern drama.
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.