The Spanish Tragedy

A Critical Reader

Thomas Rist

• Publisher: The Arden Shakespeare
• Year: 2016
• Print ISBN: 9781472528957
• eBook ISBN: 9781472527738
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Literature
• Subtopic: Literary Criticism
• Index: Literature

The Spanish Tragedy was the first 'revenge tragedy' on the English Renaissance stage: but for its influence, major dramas including The Revenger's Tragedy, The Duchess of Malfi and even Hamlet would not exist as they do. It is thus a key text for the study of Renaissance drama and normally appears in introductory undergraduate courses on Renaissance drama and Shakespeare. Despite its initial smash-hit status, after the closing of the theatres in 1642 the play was only once performed in Britain before its gradual revival in the 20th century. Following its first professional performance in 1973, the play has come to be recognised as a Renaissance classic, receiving frequent performance. This volume will bring together its most insightful and influential modern scholars to produce an edition read both by experts in the field and lovers of Thomas Kyd's drama.

Table of contents

• FC
• Half title
• Arden Early Modern Drama Guides
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Series Introduction
• Notes on Contributors
• Introduction Thomas Rist
• 1 The Critical Backstory Edel Semple
• 2 ‘Look on This Spectacle’: The Spanish Tragedy in Performance Peter Malin
• 3 The Spanish Tragedy: State of the Art Stevie Simkin
• 4 New Directions: Seneca and The Spanish Tragedy Gordon Braden
• 5 New Directions: Geopolitics and The Spanish Tragedy Eric Griffin
• 6 New Directions: The Spanish Tragedy and Virgil Tom Rutter
• 7 New Directions: Female Mourning, Revenge and Hieronimo’s Doomsday Play Katharine Goodland
• 8 The Spanish Tragedy: Resources for Teaching Leslie Drury
• Notes
• Select Bibliography
• Index