Not Shakespeare: Bardolatry and Burlesque in the Nineteenth Century

by Richard W. Schoch

Burlesque has been a powerful and enduring weapon in the critique of legitimate Shakespearean culture by a seemingly illegitimate popular culture, particularly in the nineteenth century. This first study of nineteenth-century Shakespeare burlesques explores the paradox that plays obviously not Shakespearean appear to be the most genuinely Shakespearean of all. The book brings together archival research, rare photographs and illustrations, studies of burlesque scripts, and an awareness of theatrical, literary, and cultural contexts.

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2002

Reviews

[Sae Kitamura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nineteenth-century playgoers saw 'King Queer! and His Daughters Three' (1855)... Viva Burlesque!