This ground-breaking new book uncovers the way Shakespeare draws upon the available literature and visual representations of the hand to inform his drama. Providing an analysis of gesture; touch; skill and dismemberment in a range of Shakespeares works; it shows how the hand was perceived in Shakespeares time as an indicator of human agency; emotion; social and personal identity. It demonstrates how the hand and its activities are described and embedded in Shakespeares texts and about its role on the Shakespearean stage: as part of the actors body; in the language as metaphor; and as a morbid stage-prop. Understanding the cultural signifiers that lie behind the early modern understanding of the hand and gesture; opens up new and sometimes disturbing ways of reading and seeing Shakespeares plays.
2016-02-22 2016-02-22File Name: B01C2QIQSW
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Pioneers of JazzBy Lucian of SamosataThe Creole Orchestra have always been shrouded in rumor; legend; myth; and half-truth. Were they the first real New Orleans jazz band? The great irony here is that; even though the musicians were all from the New Orleans area; the band played practically everywhere BUT New Orleans during their lifetime as a band (1914-1918). Its doubly ironic because being on the vaudeville circuit meant that their activities would actually get written up and documented in newspapers and entertainment magazines like "Variety;" while bands that only played in New Orleans during the same period were completely ignored by the local press.Gushee has devoted a lifetime to studying jazz in general and the Creole Orchestra in particular. He seems to have pursued every possible print reference to the band; and he did this the hard way; before some of the newspapers were digitized. Every documented performance is discussed and dated. This might get boring or repetitious to the casual reader; but early jazz fans will savor this information; knowing how rare it is that any jazz band from the 1910s was documented. The contemporary reviews show a clear evolution -- in 1914-16; the group is routinely referred to as a "ragtime" orchestra; but by 1917-18 they are a "jass" band. Sadly; they could not stay together long enough to really capitalize on the new "jazz" craze. Gushee also examines their 1917 non-recording for the Victor company and reveals the actual (probably) reason why no records were issued -- Bill Johnsons slap bass made the needle jump. And so the bass-less Original Dixieland Jazz Band instead took the glory of being the first New Orleans jazz band to record.Its often been assumed that the Creoles were a pure jazz band while the ODJB were more of a novelty group that emphasized comedy. Gushee explodes this myth as well; demonstrating that the Creole Bands stage act consisted mostly of a plantation comedy routine using Civil War era racial stereotypes and Stephen Foster songs. Considering that they mainly played for white vaudeville audiences; this isnt surprising; but it pours some cold water on the Creoles credibility. They; too; were a comedy/novelty act playing for laughs. But the newspaper reviews leave little doubt that when the plantation act ended; they picked up their instruments and played real New Orleans jazz; no doubt the first time most audiences in America and Canada had heard it.Mercifully free of hyperbole and exaggeration; I cant think of another book that so well reveals the setting of the stage for the coming of jazz in the popular music in the 1910s.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great research; if a little esoteric for most casual readersBy J. Kit EakleA great book for those interested in the history of the Creole Jazz Orchestra. Well written and in great detail; but focused on objective detailing of an unrecorded group which was arguably the first jazz band to tour outside of New Orleans.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. I just started reading; but from the introduction and ...By F W J van MeeterenI just started reading; but from the introduction and the first chapter I can tell this is a very thorough; in depht history of a band that was important; but too early to record; cant wait to read the rest!
