Essays On The Drama (1858)

Essays On The Drama is a collection of critical essays written by William Bodham Donne and first published in 1858. The book covers a range of topics related to the drama, including the history of the theatre, the works of Shakespeare and other notable playwrights, and the art of acting. Donne's essays are written in a clear and engaging style, and provide a valuable insight into the world of theatre during the Victorian era. He draws on his extensive knowledge of the subject to offer thoughtful and nuanced analyses of the plays and performances he discusses. The book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the drama. In the first section, Donne provides a historical overview of the theatre, tracing its development from ancient Greece to the present day. He also discusses the role of the theatre in society and the importance of drama as a form of artistic expression. In the following sections, Donne turns his attention to specific playwrights and their works. He offers detailed analyses of the plays of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and other Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists, as well as more contemporary playwrights such as Sheridan and Goldsmith. Throughout the book, Donne also explores the art of acting and the techniques used by actors to bring their characters to life on stage. He discusses the importance of gesture, voice, and facial expression, and offers insights into the psychology of performance. Overall, Essays On The Drama is a fascinating and insightful book that will appeal to anyone with an interest in theatre history, dramatic literature, or the art of acting.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.