John Payne Collier Books

Braggart and bully, the immortal Punch has delighted audiences for centuries. On street corners and at country fairs, crowds of English children cheer for this paragon of unrepentant wickedness, shouting encouragement and applauding his gleeful buffoonery. Punch struts and boasts, cracking jokes and heads, while the casualties mount: Judy, his shrieking wife; the interfering policeman; the hoodwinked hangman; and the devil himself, beaten to death.Scholarly yet entertaining, this chronicle traces the origins of puppetry's famous duo from Punch's birth in Italy to his travels across medieval Europe. Equally favored by commoners and nobility, Punch's horseplay proved as popular in France, Germany, and England as in his native country. In addition to examining the puppet show's moral and cultural significance, this book takes a look at the people behind the curtain.Thirty engaging illustrations by the great Victorian artist George Cruikshank — Dickens' illustrator of choice — complement the extensive excerpts of authentic Punch and Judy dialogue.

A comic masterpiece about a classic love triangle: a man, a woman, and a chimpanzee.

This is a comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's plays and poems, edited by the renowned Shakespearean scholar John Payne Collier. It includes the famous comedies, histories and tragedies, as well as some lesser-known works, and will appeal to both scholars and casual readers alike.

The book is recognized for its cultural significance and is a vital part of our civilization's knowledge. It has been carefully reproduced from the original artifact, preserving its authenticity with original copyright references and library stamps. This attention to detail ensures that readers can appreciate the historical context and scholarly value of the work as it was originally presented.

This collection features black-letter ballads printed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, showcasing the rich tradition of English folk music and poetry. The reprint maintains the authenticity of the original 1868 edition, allowing readers to explore the cultural and historical significance of these ballads. Each piece reflects the social issues, stories, and themes prevalent during that era, making it a valuable resource for those interested in early modern literature and history.