The English Clown Tradition from the Middle Ages to Shakespeare

by Robert Hornback

A new account of medieval and Renaissance clown traditions reveals the true extent of their cultural influence.

256 pages, Hardcover

First published September 17, 2009

Reviews

[Clara Hawthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a neatly packaged or sentimental story, and that is precisely its strength.

What struck me most about this book is its refusal to separate faith from the difficult realities of life. Rather than offering easy answers, it presents redemption as something hard-won, imperfect, and deeply human. The narrative engages honestly with suffering, moral struggle, and the long road toward grace, making it resonate well beyond the boundaries of conventional “Christian fiction.”

The author clearly understands that belief does not exist in a vacuum. Issues such as addiction, brokenness, and personal history are not softened for comfort, yet the story never loses sight of hope. This balance gives the book a rare authenticity and makes it accessible to readers who may not typically seek out faith-based novels.

Ultimately, this is a thoughtful, grounded work that speaks to readers interested in redemption stories rooted in realism rather than idealism. It would appeal equally to those exploring faith, personal transformation, and the complex spaces in between.

[Maris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up The English Clown Tradition from the Middle Ages to Shakespeare by Robert Hornback out of curiosity about early English theater, and it turned out to be a solid and informative read. The book looks closely at how clowns and comic figures developed from medieval performances into the Renaissance period, and how those traditions later appeared in Shakespeare’s plays.

The writing is academic but not impossible to follow if you’re interested in literary or theater history. Some sections are dense, but the explanations are clear, and the historical examples help keep it grounded. I especially appreciated how the book connects performance, humor, and social context rather than treating comedy as something light or insignificant.

This isn’t a casual read, but it’s worthwhile for readers who enjoy Shakespeare, medieval studies, or the history of performance. It gave me a better understanding of where many familiar comic characters actually come from.

[Lauren James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book while browsing Goodreads and picked it up out of curiosity about early English theatre and Shakespeare’s comic characters. It turned out to be far more interesting than I expected.

What I really liked is how Hornback shows that clowns weren’t just there for laughs. He traces how medieval performers, fools, and comic figures shaped the kind of humor and characters we later see in Shakespeare. It gave me a new way of looking at Shakespeare’s clowns and fools as part of a much older tradition, not just clever side characters.

This is definitely an academic book, and some parts take focus and patience, but it never felt pointless or dry. The examples and historical context helped keep things clear, even when the material got dense.

I wouldn’t call this a light or casual read, but if you enjoy Shakespeare, theatre history, or learning where familiar ideas really come from, it’s a rewarding one. I’m glad I took the time to read it.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was surprisingly engaging for an academic study. Hornback does a great job showing how clowns and fools weren’t just comic relief, but an important part of medieval and Renaissance culture. The research is solid, yet the writing stays clear and readable. A really interesting read for anyone curious about Shakespeare, performance history, or the deeper meaning behind humor.

[Sara Camfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly engaging and eye-opening read. Hornback brings medieval and Renaissance clown traditions to life with clarity and depth, showing how much these figures shaped culture and performance, even into Shakespeare’s time. Scholarly but very readable especially rewarding if you enjoy literary history done thoughtfully.

[Kimberley Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful look into the changing role of the clown. Full of great information that will be very helpful for my dissertation.