Shakespeare's Globe Rebuilt [Paperback]

J. R. Mulryne (Editor), Margaret Shewring (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 13, 1997

The rebuilding of the Globe theater (1599-1613) on London's Bankside, a few yards from the site of the playhouse in which many of Shakespeare's plays were first performed, must rank as one of the most imaginative enterprises of recent decades. The realization of the vision of Sam Wanamaker and his architect Theo Crosby, it has aroused intense interest among scholars and the general public worldwide. In anticipation of the official opening and the first performance season, visitors have been drawn in large numbers to the auditorium and exhibition. Shakespeare's Globe Rebuilt offers a fully-illustrated account of the research that has gone into the Globe reconstruction, drawing on the work of leading scholars, theater people and craftsmen to provide an authoritative view of the twenty years of research and the hundreds of practical decisions entailed. Documents of the period, both visual and written, have been explored anew; the techniques of timber-framed building have been relearned; the archaeology of the Globe and the neighboring Rose playhouse has been further evaluated; the decorative practices of Elizabethan craftsmen have been researched; and all this reconciled with the requirements of the actors and the practical and legal restrictions of modern architectural design. The result is a book that will fascinate scholarly readers and laymen alike.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book is a gorgeously illustrated tribute to a 400-year-old dream fulfilled. American actor Sam Wanamaker was stunned in the 1960s to learn that a London cabdriver could not show him the site of William Shakespeare's original theater, the famed "wooden O," nor was the site marked in any way. Thus began a modern feat of archaeology, research, craftsmanship, statesmanship, and fundraising that resulted in 1997 in the grand reopening of a rebuilt Globe--accurate down to the circular seating pattern, the wooden benches, the roofless courtyard "groundling" space, the thatched towers, and the flagpole that announces performances. The reborn theater instantly takes its place among the eight theatrical wonders of the world, with each detail lovingly hand-crafted--as is this book. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

'This handsomely illustrated book brings together a panel of experts to describe and comment on the design and building of the reconstruction of the Globe theatre in London. ... The book is well-planned and coherent in design. The contributors write with conviction and enthusiasm to make the reader aware of the extraordinary dedication of those who planned and researched for many years under the leadership of Sam Wanamaker and Theo Crosby the architect. ... The book is in its way a tribute to human dedication and skill, and the rebuilding of the Globe is a considerable achievement.' Theatre Notebook

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Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 13, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521599881
• ISBN-13: 978-0521599887
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,209,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Shakespeare's Globe Rebuilt, April 21, 2000

By 

Bente Videbaek "devourer of books" (NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Shakespeare's Globe Rebuilt (Paperback)

I am grasping this chance to sing the praises of this book, as I buy it again! I had a copy that I showed around to students and other interested people so much that the poor thing fell apart! Anyone interested in the Elizabethan stage as space and as a platform for performance should love this book. It informs the reader about the research that went into the rebuilding of the Globe, and thus, uniquely, gives possibility for insights into the Shakespearean playing space, multiple staging possibilities, multiple sightlines, etc. Rereading any Shakesperean play after a thorough encounter with this book opens possibilities for a whole new and enriched experience! It is richly illustrated, which helps too! Try it -- but leave another copy for me! This new one is bound to go to bits too.