The Origins of Drama in Scandinavia [Hardcover]

Terry Gunnell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 11, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0859914585 | ISBN-13: 978-0859914581 | Edition: First Edition

This book takes a new approach to the question of whether some form of drama existed in early Scandinavia. Dr Gunnell examines the dialogic poems of the Poetic Edda, preserved in manuscripts from the late thirteenth century, from the viewpoints of both performer and audience. He argues that in order to be fully understood by the audience, the poems must have been presented in some dramatic fashion, and not merely chanted. He substantiates his claims by exploring characteristics found only in the manuscripts of these dialogic poems and in contemporary manuscripts of dramatic works from England and Northern France, suggesting that even in the thirteenth century, the dialogic poems must have been regarded as dramatic works. The examination is accompanied by the most complete review to date of the evidence for some kind of ritual drama having existed in pagan Scandinavia, looking at archaeological evidence for the use of masks and costumes, information contained in the sagas, and contemporary historical accounts.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The book has two main contributions to make to the study of medieval Scandinavia. It is a marvelous compendium of evidence for dramatic and quasi-dramatic activities in Scandinavia from prehistoric times to the present; and it presents a serious case for regarding the dialogic poems of the Edda as miniature plays... no reader could fail to be informed and stimulated by its contents. --Speculum

About the Author

TERRY GUNNELLteaches English at Hamrahlid College, Iceland.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 440 pages
• Publisher: D.S.Brewer; First Edition edition (May 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0859914585
• ISBN-13: 978-0859914581
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #901,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Scholarly, readable; well-documented, detailed, unique., November 26, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Origins of Drama in Scandinavia (Hardcover)

It is too bad that this book costs so much. It is *wonderful*! Gunnell presents various aspects of Bronze Age through Viking period (and later)dramatic performance in Scandinavia. From the rock carvings at Tanum, Bohuslan, Sweden (and elsewhere), as well as from archaeological artifacts and other information from primary and/or contemporary sources (such as the Codex Regius, Konungs skuggsja, Olaus Magnus), Gunnell weaves an intriguing and logical view of early dramatic events, including the "hieros gamos" (sacred wedding), animal guising, the Gothikon, masks/costume, and more. He also presents later-period seasonal drama, such as the Lussia, Halm-Staffan, the Icelandic "vikivaki", etc. Some of these latter "playlets" may also be found in Olrik & Ellekilde "Nordens Gudeverden" (a 2-volume, rare set in Norwegian. I (and other researchers) hope that this book will soon be re-issued in paper, within reach of poor post-docs who sweat the price of a tank of gas! If your library (or interlibrary loan) has it, borrow it (if you haven't the $126 or so to get your own copy). Gunnell covers things that I haven't seen elsewhere, with copious figures and clearly written (and documented) text. It is also written in English, for those Out There who don't read a Scandinavian language. I really wish I could afford my own copy!