A History of Restoration Drama

"A History of Restoration Drama 1660-1700" is a definitive scholarly examination of the English stage during one of its most vibrant and transformative eras. This comprehensive study explores the development of dramatic forms following the return of Charles II and the reopening of the theaters after the Puritan interregnum. The work delves into the evolution of the Comedy of Manners, the rise of heroic tragedy, and the significant shifts in theatrical production and audience reception that defined the late seventeenth century.

The text analyzes the contributions of major playwrights like Dryden, Congreve, and Etherege, while also providing invaluable insights into the technical aspects of the stage, including scenery, lighting, and the introduction of actresses to the English theater for the first time. By contextualizing these plays within the social and political landscape of the Stuart era, the book offers a deep understanding of how the Restoration period shaped the future of Western drama. This foundational text remains an essential resource for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of literary history and the performing arts, providing a clear window into the wit, artifice, and complexity of the post-Elizabethan stage.

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