Description

Known as the 'bible' of theatre history, Brockett and Hildy’s History of the Theatre is the most comprehensive and widely used survey of theatre history in the market.

This 40th Anniversary Edition retains all of the traditional features that have made History of the Theatre the most successful text of its kind including worldwide coverage, more than 530 photos and illustrations, useful maps, and the expertise of Oscar G. Brockett and Franklin J. Hildy, two of the most widely respected theatre historians in the field. This tenth edition provides the most thorough and accurate assessment of theatre history available and includes contemporary milestones in theatre history.

Features

• Provides a chronological survey of the theatre's history as a socio-cultural institution from pre-history to the present.
• Features the most comprehensive coverage of European, American, Asian, and African theatre history found in any competing textbook.
• Employs an extensive photo and illustration program.
• Includes chapter-ending 'Looking at Theatre History' sections, which offer extra insight into the chapter's primary topic or the culture of the particular period.
• Offers chapter-by-chapter bibliographies at the end of the book to serve as both an acknowledgment of principal sources of information and as a guide to reading in greater depth.

New to this Edition

• Includes updates throughout the text to reflect the most current state of knowledge.
• Features new material on African and Asian theatre.
• Expands the coverage of theatre history in Latin America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Incorporates a thoroughly revised chapter on Contemporary Theatre , which includes the most recent updates to this area of study.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Origins of Theatre

Chapter 2: Theatre and Drama in Ancient Greece  

Chapter 3: Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine Theatre  

Chapter 4: European Theatre in the Middle Ages  

Chapter 5: English Theatre to 1642  

Chapter 6: Italian Theatre to 1700  

Chapter 7: French Theatre to 1700 

Chapter 8: The Theatre to Spain and New Spain to 1700  

Chapter 9: English Theatre to 1800  

Chapter 10: Italyand France to 1800  

Chapter 11: Northern European Theatre to 1800  

Chapter 12: English-Language Theatre in the Early Nineteenth Century  

Chapter 13: Continental European Theatre in the Early Nineteenth Century  

Chapter 14: English-Language Theatre in the Late Nineteenth Century  

Chapter 15: Continental European and Latin American Theatre in the Late Nineteenth Century  

Chapter 16: The Beginnings of Modern Realism  

Chapter 17: Early Alternatives to Realism  

Chapter 18: Continental European and Latin American Theatre in the Early Twentieth Century  

Chapter 19: English-Language Theatre in the Early Twentieth Century  

Chapter 20: Continental European and Latin American Theatre in the Mid-Twentieth Century  

Chapter 21: English-Language Theatre in the Mid-Twentieth Century  

Chapter 22: Continental European and Latin American Theatre in the Late Twentieth Century  

Chapter 23: English-Language Theatre in the Late Twentieth Century  

Chapter 24: The Theatre of Africa  

Chapter 25: Contemporary Theatre  

Chapter 26: The Theatre of Asia  

 

 

Back Cover

History of the Theatre, 10/e

Oscar G. Brockett and Franklin J. Hildy

Congratulations on beginning your learning experience with the 40 th Anniversary Edition of this bestselling theatre history textbook written by two of the most highly respected theatre historians in the field: Oscar G. Brockett and Franklin J. Hildy. You’ll begin your historical journey chronologically with the ritual origins of theatre. Then you’ll travel around the world as you explore the roots of theatre in countries such as Spain, England, and France, in Latin America and more. You’ll end your survey with the theatres of Africa and Asia. The cover alone captures the drama and diversion that an evening at the theatre provides.

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS EDITION

• The most comprehensive coverage of European, American, Asian, African, and Latin American theatre history exposes you to many types of theatre you may have never before considered.
• A revised chapter on contemporary theatre covers avant-garde theatre from around the world and brings theatre history up to the present day.
• Updates throughout every chapter provide you with the most current and accurate information available, so you’ll be well-informed for discussions in class as well as with family and friends.

REVIEWER QUOTES

“Most people involved with teaching theatre history know that this text is unequaled in the field. No other survey text gives this kind of detail, is revised as often to keep pace with research and historical developments, is as qualified or clear in what the state of knowledge and debate are on particular topics, covers as many areas of world theatre, has as thorough an index, is as rich in images, or has as useful a bibliography.”

–Dennis C. Beck, James Madison University

“Since I was a college undergraduate, the Brockett history book has been a ‘must do’ on my bookshelf and the bookshelves of all of my theatre peers and professors alike. The Brockett book is affectionately referred to as ’The Bible’ among my colleagues. There is no question it is a remarkable compilation of information and an invaluable addition to my resources.”

–Kimberly Wagner, Edinboro University