This edition of Ben Jonsons four middle comedies places the works in the popular history and culture of the times; 1605-1614; and surveys the influences; both classical and contemporary; on Jonson as a playwright. On-the-page annotations recreate the audiences perception of the plays as performances by commenting on the stage-directions; the self-conscious theatricality of characters and scenes; and the vivid colloquialisms of early modern London that give the dialogue a heightened dimension of realism. Brief introductions to each play discuss the local settings; sources; theatre history and further readings. The general introduction includes a biography of Jonson; a chronology of the plays and masques; and separate essays on each play; dealing particularly with Jonsons satirical treatments of trends and shams of the day; whether political; social; commercial; or spiritual.
#2197266 in eBooks 2000-10-01 2014-06-07File Name: B00KVFRB9W
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Barbara StrossThis is an excellent explanation; guide; instruction manual. Highest recommendation!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. By CustomerIt is great! Lots of info!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. An Educational and Informative BookBy MDominicDavid Chelsea is an undisputed master of perspective. In his three books on the subject; he has very creatively and effectively used the monologue comic format pioneered by Scott McCloud to develop an invaluable set of tools for the beginning and developing artist.While the latest book seems like something of an afterthought to the preceding volumes; it is nevertheless a very helpful reference and more importantly; a creative challenge to the artist to further their perspective skills and use them in new ways.Chelsea imparts a lot of information in his books; but his easy narrative style makes them as much a pleasure to read as to study. With Perspective in Action; theres a fair dose of art history mixed in with the instruction; giving this volume a relevance and degree of interest beyond its tutorial aspects. Any reader who appreciates art; whether they are themselves an artist or not; will find something valuable and fascinating in here...but it is the artist who will get the full benefit of Chelseas incredible perspective skills.This book; along with its preceding volumes; should have a permanent home in the reference library of any serious artist. I know they have a place of pride in mine.
