The Biblical Drama of Medieval Europe
The Biblical Drama of Medieval Europe
This book presents a detailed survey and analysis of the surviving corpus of biblical drama from all parts of medieval Christian Europe. Over five hundred plays from the tenth to the sixteenth centuries are examined, in a wide-ranging discussion which makes available the full scope of this important part of theatre history. The volume is specially organised to provide a complete overview of major aspects of medieval biblical theatre, including: the theatrical community of both audience and players; the major plays and cycles; and the legacy of medieval biblical theatre. The book also includes valuable appendices with information on the liturgical calendar, processions, the Mass and the Bible. The Biblical Drama of Medieval Europe is a valuable resource for scholars and students of medieval theatre and for enthusiasts of early drama.
- Encyclopaedic coverage of the field of biblical drama from the whole of medieval Christian Europe
- Makes available to English-language readers information on the whole field of continental drama
- Includes informative and valuable appendices on medieval and sacred literature
Reviews & endorsements
"A valuable summary for students of medieval drama, M.'s study also includes material for theologians studying the Middle Ages or interested in its theological beliefs and their sources." Theological Studies
"The starting point for any study of medieval biblical drama, this excellent and readable work will be a valuable resource for scholars of the medieval theater...." Choice
"...a highly readable survey....serves well as an introductory text or as a jumping-off point for closer comparative studies." Glenn Ehrstine, Sixteenth Century Journal
"This study presents a thorough overview of religious plays both in Great Britain and on the Continent....This volume is a valuable resource to those working in either Latin or the Vernaculars, and provides a global European perspective that enables the reader to see across national boundaries and identify original features of biblical drama as it existed in Europe between the ninth and sixteenth centuries. The material has been painstakingly researched and is organized in a clear and systematic manner....it is an invitatiob for the d=further development of critical analysis of the important subject." Molly Lynde-Recchia, Comparative Drama
"...the book is impressive in its range and learning....This is a book that all who work in medieval drama should have on their shelves for reference, and one that should encourage all for whom 'medieval theatre' still means 'medieval English theatre' to widen their horizons." David Mills, Studies in the Age of Chaucer
"...the book must be considered a success." Alan E. Knight, Speculum
Product details
September 2003Paperback
9780521542104
348 pages
230 × 153 × 23 mm
0.537kg
7 b/w illus. 3 maps
Available
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Christian Europe and the play of God
- Part I. The Theatrical Community:
- 1. Liturgical and feast-day drama
- 2. Civic and community drama
- 3. Performance and the community
- Part II. The Theatrical Text:
- 4. Creation and fall
- 5. The covenant and the kingdom
- 6. Prophets and precursors of redemption
- 7. The birth and childhood of Jesus
- 8. The public life of Jesus
- 9. The Passion and Resurrection
- 10. Pentecost to judgement
- Conclusion: survival and revival
- Appendix. The liturgical context of the plays.
