The Collected Works of Richard Edwards: Politics, Poetry and Performance in Sixteenth-Century England

by Richard Edwardes, Ros King (Editor)

This book contains fully annotated critical editions of the surviving work of one of the most influential poets and dramatists writing in England before Shakespeare. Ros King rewrites the history of pre-Shakespearean drama, illustrating new approaches to 16th-century prosody, and to the modernization of dramatic poetry. King also re-evaluates the public role of theater and poetry during a turbulent period in English history. The book includes some of Edwards' never before printed and some newly ascribed poems, along with a number of original musical settings.

Contents:
Richard Edwards: materials for a life -- Religious politics in drama and poetry -- Edwards of the Chapel -- Damon and Pythias -- The Paradise of Dainty Devices -- Edwards's poetic technique -- Theatre and the art of good council -- Oxford 1566 -- Edwards's legacy and influence -- Damon and Pythias in print -- Editorial approach to modernisation -- Damon and Pythias -- Poems -- The ladies of CT 1 -- Music -- Text and interpretation.

288 pages, Hardcover

First published July 6, 2001

About the author

Richard Edwardes (or Edwards), was born in 25 March 1525 to Agnes Beaupenny Blewitt Edwards. He was an English poet, playwright, and composer; he was made a Gentleman of the Chapel Royal, and was master of the singing boys. He was known for his comedies and interludes. He was also rumoured to be an illegitimate son of Henry VIII. He died on 31 October 1566 aged 41.

He has been described as "one of the most influential poets and dramatists writing in England before Shakespeare".