Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell'Arte (PAJ Books) [Paperback]

Mel Gordon (Editor)

Book Description

Series: PAJ Books | Publication Date: July 1, 2001

"An important addition to the literature on Italian Commedia dell'Arte."—Choice

This best-selling PAJ volume presents over 250 comedy routines used by commedia performers in Europe from 1550 to 1750. Includes an introduction, two complete commedia scenarios, and a glossary of commedia characters.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Presents 250 comedy routines used by commedia performers in Europe from 1550 to 1750. Includes an introduction, two complete commedia scenarios, and a glossary of commedia characters. An important addition to the literature on Italian Commedia dell'Arte." -- Choice

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: PAJ Publications (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0933826699
• ISBN-13: 978-0933826694
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #196,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I laughed out loud!, February 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell'Arte (PAJ Books) (Paperback)

Of all the books out there concerning commedia dell'arte, I found this one to be one of the most informative and useful (and definitely the FUNNIEST!--and isn't that the point?). Mel Gordon clearly and concisely defines what lazzi are, and presents a series of them according to type; quite appropriate, considering commedia performers often kept notebooks full of such routines. One discovers that comedy has not really changed over the centuries. Perusal of these routines brings the tradition of commedia dell'arte to life in a way that hours of poring over Flaminio Scala's work can not. A must for any student of the Italian comedy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource, October 17, 2007

By 

L. Dawn Larsen "Theatre Doc" (SC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell'Arte (PAJ Books) (Paperback)

I teach theatre history. One of their major assignments is to create and perform a commedia piece. This was an excellent resource for my students.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lazzi, excellent book, August 8, 2010

By 

Lauren - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lazzi: The Comic Routines of the Commedia dell'Arte (PAJ Books) (Paperback)

This is a great book if you are interested in Commedia dell'Arte, particularly if you really want to know what the performances were like. It's an easy quick read and very enjoyable. Great for theater majors.