Rebecca Totaro Book order

Focusing on the impact of the bubonic plague, Rebecca Totaro explores its influence on Literary Studies in England from 1500 to the mid-18th century. The book analyzes how individuals interpreted their bodies, nature, and faith in the context of the plague. Through a detailed examination of works by authors like Thomas More and Shakespeare, Totaro highlights themes of hope and despair, revealing how these literary pieces reflect the era's understanding of life and societal parameters shaped by the epidemic.

Exploring the rich tapestry of plague literature in Elizabethan England, the book examines various subgenres that emerged in response to the crisis. It features significant primary texts, such as Thomas Moulton's remedies and prayers, and William Bullein's humorous yet serious dialogue on the plague. The work highlights the community's response through Queen Elizabeth I's plague orders and culminates with Thomas Dekker's The Wonderful Year, showcasing the evolution of attitudes toward the plague across the Elizabethan and Stuart periods.