First published in 1968, History of the Theatre is the most comprehensive and widely used survey of theatre history. The eighth edition retains all of the traditional features that have made History of the Theatre a classic for over thirty years, including over 530 photos and illustrations, useful maps, and the expertise of Oscar Brockett, one of the most widely respected theatre historians in the field. Franklin J. Hildy contributes his scholarship and experience throughout the text and, in particular, to a discussion of English Theatre/Shakespeare (Ch. 6). The authors have scrutinized each chapter closely to sharpen, update, and reinterpret information. Revised to include and address new revisionist scholarship, the eighth edition continues to provide the most thorough and accurate assessment of the history of theatre available.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Back Cover
Having always been an integral part of the sociocultural fabric of our world's communities and civilizations, the theatre today remains an active and poignant institution. Understanding its deep roots and societal variations is the key to comprehending other cultures, our own culture, and common social themes. This book is a cultural resource for all -- from infrequent play-goers to theatre buffs, from aspiring actors to experienced professionals. Providing the most comprehensive chronological survey of the theatre's history as a sociocultural institution, this book is written by two of the most widely respected historians in the field. In this eighth edition of the bestseller, the authors retain all of the traditional features of the book while sharpening, updating and reinterpreting information. They address new revisionist scholarship and add new methodologies, plays and playwrights. Theatre novices or professionals, teachers of theatre, theatre history, history, or the arts, and others interested in the topic.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 25 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, Oscar Brockett is God,
This review is from: History of the Theatre (8th Edition) (Hardcover)
I had the pleasure of being Brock's student for three years at the University of Texas. The book is phenomenal, easy to read and amazingly complete. The History of the Theatre experience should also be augmented by the opportunity to hear Brockett speak. He is erudite, funny, a lively teacher and an incredible intellect. There is no other book to serve as a reference and introduction to theatre history. No other book and no other teacher so expertly and informatively makes you realize the interweaving of theatre and society throughout its long history. IMHO, Brockett should write the history not just of theatre but of everything. His non-didactic, straight-forward and lively prose would make any work of history or criticism on any subject a delight.
9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An Excellent and Thorough Text Under Great Editorship,
By Book Addict "Eleanor T" (Pittsburgh, PA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: History of the Theatre (8th Edition) (Hardcover)
As a former student of Franklin J. Hildy's, and a reader of the Brockett text for several theater courses, I must highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a detailed, yet expansive, overview of the history of the theatrical arts throughout the world. Dr. Hildy's passion for and knowledge of the subject matter is rivaled by none and the complete scope of this project would have daunted many editors less competent to undertake such a task. A great reference text as well as course material. I often find mine useful in day-to-day queries as well as research on period and scenic styles.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best of the lot,
By Grover Smittle (St. Louis, MO USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: History of the Theatre (Hardcover)
Quite simply the best comprehensive theatre history text available. In every new edition, Brock reviewed every word on every page, incorporating new research, new theories, and new opinions. He never just "tacked on" a new chapter every couple of years. The good doctor is careful to separate fact from speculation, and often includes alternate interpretations of the historical record.
As other reviewers have noted, this text is best accompanied by Dr. Brockett's lively lectures. Unfortunately, since his death last year this is impossible. I found during my time at UT that Brock was a careful scholar, interesting lecturer, and outstanding mentor. Buy this book! It puts the others in my theatre history collection (Molinari, et al.) to shame.
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