‘Leslie Thomson makes excellent use of her previous research into stage directions to give us a ground-breaking analysis of actions of 'discovery' on the Early Modern stage. This is an important book for scholars and students of theatre in the age of Shakespeare.'
Ann Thompson - King's College London
'… this study will help readers appreciate these plays as ‘artefacts of another era.’ Including a 16-page bibliography (primary and secondary works) and 32 illustrations, this is a valuable, detailed, and unique study. Highly recommended. Graduate students, researchers, faculty, professionals.'
J. S. Carducci
Source: Choice
‘In her new book, Thomson’s thorough survey of early modern dramatic works is, like her Dictionary, a great service to the field … Thomson’s attention to the visual arts, and the techniques by which they produced in viewers an experience of revelation or discovery, is perhaps the most innovative element in the book. It certainly deserves further attention from future scholars.’
Bonnie Lander Johnson
Source: Renaissance Quarterly
‘This book undeniably sits within the realm of theatre and theatre history, but also contributes to art history and cultural history. As a resource for scholars thinking about staging, stage directions, art, culture, discovery spaces, props, or the business of early modern theatre, this book will surely shine new light on the topic of discoveries and lead its readers to generative new ideas and conclusions.’
Jess Hamlet
Source: Early Theatre