Overview
Following the widely-acclaimed staging of The Devil is an Ass by the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1995-96, this authoritative edition is now available in paperback with a new Preface about the production. In his introduction, Peter Happe looks at the special place of the play in Jonson's own life, his interest in London, the theatrical setting of the play and its sources and analogues. There are critical and explanatory commentaries and a glossarial index. No other edition covers such a range of material. The play is seen in its historical and political context, by linking it with late medieval and Elizabethan plays, as well as with the Jacobean stage. The text is meticulously and reliably edited, with modernised spelling for today's reader. A commentary is provided to explain difficult or specially significant passages. The stage history of the play also includes recent productions.Synopsis
This edition of "The Devil is an Ass" (1616) aims to provide an insight into Jonson's life and work, the theatrical qualities of the play, its political background and its textual history. In his introduction, Peter Happe looks at the special place of the play in Jonson's own life, his interest in London, the theatrical setting of the play and its sources and analogues. There are critical and explanatory commentaries and a glossarial index. The play is seen in its historical and political context, by linking it with late medieval and Elizabethan plays, as well as with the Jacobean stage. The text is meticulously and reliably edited, with modernized spelling for today's reader. A commentary is provided to explain difficult or significant passages. The stage history of the play also includes very recent productions.
Library Journal
This duo represent a hit and a miss by Jonson. The Devil has been produced successfully in modern times, while the more experimental Poetaster has remained largely in obscurity. These paperbacks are the most affordable editions available.