Category Archives: playwrights

Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part II

Previously, in our survey of the History of English Literature, we looked at Barnaby Barnes, John Fletcher, and Nicholas Breton. You may find that post HERE. Today we will explore the accomplishments of Sir Henry Wotton, Anthony Munday, and Raphael … Continue reading

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Colorful (But Lesser Known) Contemporaries of William Shakespeare, Part I

There are a slew of contemporaries of Shakespeare of which many of you never encountered in your English classrooms, whether high school of university. These are some of the more colorful ones.  Barnaby (Barnabe) Barnes was the third son of … Continue reading

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An Introduction into Anglo-Norman Early Drama

Drama arose in the Tenth Century in certain monasteries when modifications to the mass occurred. Scenes of the Master’s life began to be represented in the churches, especially during the holier holidays. Many could not read and so the use … Continue reading

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Douglas Jerrold, Playwright and Midshipman Serving Under Jane Austen’s Brother, Francis

Douglas William Jerrold (London 3 January 1803 – 8 June 1857 London) was an English dramatist and writer. Biography Jerrold’s father, Samuel Jerrold, was an actor and lessee of the little theatre of Wilsby near Cranbrook in Kent. In 1807 … Continue reading

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A Comic Play: Black-Eyed Susan; or, All in the Downs

Black-Eyed Susan; or, All in the Downs is a comic play in three acts by Douglas Jerrold. The story concerns a sailor, William, who returns to England from the Napoleonic Wars and finds that his wife Susan is being harassed … Continue reading

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Forerunners of Elizabethan Tragedy: Thomas Kyd

Today, I am taking a step away from my beloved Regency England to visit a time period, which also fascinates me. With a minor in theatre, I have studied the development of the drama of the period. With Kyd and … Continue reading

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