This series delves into the rich literary landscape spanning the years 1520 to 1740. It investigates how historical events and societal shifts of the era shaped literary creations. Offering profound insights, it explores works that defined the early modern period and reveals their lasting significance.
Exploring the playwright's religious orientation, the book challenges narrow interpretations by situating the discussion within the diverse Elizabethan context illuminated by contemporary historians and theatre scholars. It posits that faith for the dramatist was more of a quest than a settled belief, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of spirituality during that era.
Focusing on the construction of social stability, the book explores how Royalism sought to define itself through binary roles and behavioral models. Analyzing key literary works from figures like Milton, Marvell, Herrick, and Cowley, the author employs identity theories to examine the literature and culture of the period. This approach reveals the complex interplay between ideology and identity in shaping Royalist thought and its cultural significance.
Modern scholarship has redefined Ben Jonson, challenging the traditional portrayal established by the Oxford edition of his Works. This collection of essays by twelve experts delves into how contemporary interpretations reveal a more accessible Jonson, reshaping his legacy for future audiences. It also features a newly discovered text, The Entertainment at Britain's Burse, written in 1609, marking a significant addition to Jonson's oeuvre and appearing in print for the first time. The volume aims to guide readers, educators, and performers in transmitting Jonson's work into the next century.