Ben Jonson: His Craft and Art / Edition 1

by Rosalind Miles

Overview

Though he is one of the undisputed giants of English literature, Ben Jonson is known to most people only as the author of one or two masterly plays which regularly appear in the drama repertory. He is much less well-known for his whole oeuvre, which encompasses poetry, criticism, masque-making, and a lifetime of linguistic and lexicographical study.

In this book, first published in 1990, the author presents a comprehensive critical study of the whole of Jonson’s output from his earliest beginnings through to the final achievement. Looking at every word he ever wrote, in drama, masque, poetry, philosophy and literary criticism, the author reveals an interesting and varied picture of Jonson. This title will be of interest to students of English literature and Renaissance drama.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138244276
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/25/2018
Series:	Routledge Library Editions: Renaissance Drama
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

Table of Contents

Preface; List of dates; 1. A mere empiric 2. Beginning his studies in this kind 3. To speak the vice 4. Sung high and aloof 5. Royal and magnificent entertainment 6. Quick comedy refined 7. To come forth worth the ivy, or the bays 8. The poet 9. All thy figures are allowed 10. Shows! Shows! Mighty Shows! 11. He prays you’ll not prejudge his play for ill 12. Near the close or shutting up of his circle; Epilogue; Appendix; Notes; Select bibliography; Index

Editorial Reviews

"This is the first comprehensive study of Jonson's works: plays, masques, royal entertainments, poetry, translations, criticism, philosophy, and philosophical reflection. What emerges is a compelling interpretation of a self-conscious craftsman...elements in this richly suggestive and superbly written account are unified by an overarching outlook that perceives Jonson's artistic self....Highly recommended..."

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