The Spanish Tragedy (Revels Student Edition) - (Revels Student Editions) by Stephen Bevington (Paperback)

About the Book

The "revenge" play became the most durable and commercially successful type of drama on the Elizabethan stage. This example by Thomas Kyd, who was one of the originators of the genre, brings to life the intrigues of the Spanish court, dramatically juxtaposing romantic passion with sudden violent death and clandestine politics. The ghost of Dan Andrea and his guide Revenge observe the dark and bloody action throughout, provoking questions about the nature of the human condition.

Book Synopsis

The "revenge" play became the most durable and commercially successful type of drama on the Elizabethan stage. This example by Thomas Kyd, who was one of the originators of the genre, brings to life the intrigues of the Spanish court, dramatically juxtaposing romantic passion with sudden violent death and clandestine politics. The ghost of Dan Andrea and his guide Revenge observe the dark and bloody action throughout, provoking questions about the nature of the human condition.

From the Back Cover

The Spanish Tragedy is the best-known play by one of Shakespeare's chief predecessors and early contemporaries, Thomas Kyd. Kyd was undisputed master and virtually the originator of what came to be called the revenge play, a genre that became one of the most durable and commercially successful types of drama on the Elizabethan stage.

Review Quotes

"Erne's chapter on The First Part of Hieronimo is undoubtedly the most original ... but throughout there are fresh insights, the product of close and intelligent reading of the texts, and the shrewd interpretation of evidence. Erne ... has made an excellent case for going, as his title proclaims "Beyond the Spanish Tragedy," to set Kyd's achievement in a wider context."--David Gunby, "Modern Language Review"
"I hope this excellent monograph, full of fresh research and convincing new arguments, will prompt someone to invite Erne to edit Kyd in order to replace Boas's edition, still the standard in its centenary year."--Paul Dean, "English Studies"
"[Erne's] picture of a playwright preoccupied with the themes of grief and loss radiating outwards from the dramatic epicentre of "The Spanish Tragedy," is appealing."--Emma Smith, "The Times Literary Supplement"

About the Author

David Bevington is Phyllis Fay Horton Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus and Chair of Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Chicago