From Library Journal
William Shakespeare's primary rival on the Elizabethan stage was Ben Jonson; and, while Shakespeare was a greater artist, Jonson is undoubtedly a more fascinating "personality." It is thus curious that few have attempted to challenge Marchette Chute's Ben Jonson of Westminster (1953) as the standard popular biography of the playwright. Riggs succeeds in improving Chute's account by incorporating solid research and modern scholastic methodology into a popular biographical format. But questionable speculation weakens his effort, particularly when he plays social historian or attempts "psychological" explanations of Jonson's behavior. These speculations are incongruously interjected into the narrative, leading to occasional stylistic unevenness. A disappointing effort, made more so because of the promise displayed elsewhere in the book.
- James Stephenson, Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
- James Stephenson, Catholic Univ. of America, Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
