Racine: A Theatrical Reading [Hardcover]

David Maskell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 1991 | ISBN-10: 0198151616 | ISBN-13: 978-0198151616

This original and innovative study is the first systematic exploration of Racine's theatricality. Based on a close examination of all Racine's plays and on evidence for performances of them from the seventeenth century to the present day, it is intended to guide the reader towards a better understanding of Racine as a man of the theater. Using illustrations from editions of Racine to highlight the visual elements implicit in his text, this study challenges many long-established views of Racine and lays the foundation for a reassessment of his work in relation to French drama.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`careful and exhaustive study ... The value of Maskell's study lies in the all-embracing picture it provides, and the wealth of evidence as to Racine's own clear preoccupations.' Richard Griffiths, Times Higher Education Supplement

`David Maskell's book constitutes a serious contribution to the recent effort amoung English critics of French literature to explore Rracine's dramaturgy and theatricality.' Ronald W. Tobin, Papers on French Seventeenth Century Literature

'Maskell's command of the history of theater, its criticism, and rhetorical theory of the 17th century is impressive; his exemplary exegeses of the performance text open important new avenues of investigation in the Racinian oeuvre.' E.R. Koch, Tulane University, Choice, May '92

`Racine enthusiasts will ... be grateful to David Maskell for providing them with the first systematic study of Racine's theatricality. ... its author looks meticulously and skilfully for all those clues which confirm that Racine was a man of the theatre rather than a poet who happened to write plays. ... Maskell's study is particularly valuable for the way in which it establishes comparisons with Racine's only comedy ... with the Greek tragedians... Maskell's richly suggestive, scholarly yet highly readable study should be the obligatory point de departfor all such readings.' James J. Supple, Theatre Research International

'he applies a meticulous scholarship to the recording and analysis of such effects throughout the twelve plays' W.D. Howarth, University of Warwick, MLR, 88.4, 1993

'Students of Racine's theatre will find much that is instructive and helpful in this thorough, well-documented, and systematic volume. Maskell's book contributes much to the study of Racine.' Keith Gore, Worcester College, Oxford, Notes and Queries, March 1994

About the Author

David Maskell, Fellow and Tutor in French, Oriel College, Oxford.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 296 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (September 26, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0198151616
• ISBN-13: 978-0198151616
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,246,610 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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