Rebuilding Shakespeare's Globe

by Andrew Gurr, John Orrell

Describes the recent undertaking to rebuild the Globe theater in London and the intense research required

197 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1989

Reviews

[Brian Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book details the rationale for the details arrived at when reconstructing the Globe playhouse that currently stands on Bankside, in Southwark, London. The first half is a fine history of the original Globe playhouses from Shakespeare's time, how they came to be built, how the original was destroyed by fire, and the second built at considerable cost to its shareholders. The second half is an account of the architectural decisions for the current complex, both the outdoor ampitheatre and the indoor playhouse based on Inigo Jones plans. All in all, an important document for fans of the Globe.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

A few interesting tidbits, but overall very repetitive and dull. Half an hour at the rebuilt Globe in London- or seeing a performance there- would be just as edifying and a lot more fun.

[Amanda Witt]

Very interesting, going into intricate details of how the team researched the options used in Shakespeare's time to replicate the Globe as closely as possible.