This is an illustrated history of the performance and reception of Shakespeare's plays on the German stage from the English Comedians in the late sixteenth century to the First World War. Simon Williams argues that the vision of Shakespeare first articulated by critics of Sturm und Drang and romanticism was only realised in practice with the productions of Max Reinhardt in the early twentieth century. The book focuses on the classical period of German literature and theatre, when Shakespeare's plays were first staged in Germany in a relatively complete form, and when they had a potent influence on the writings of German drama and dramatic criticism. Important contributions to the critical reception of Shakespeare in the late eighteenth century are discussed. Professor Williams describes the steady increase in productions of Shakespeare's plays during the nineteenth century, paying attention to textual adaptation, actors' interpretations of leading roles and, in the latter part of the book, to the influence of the rise of the director on Shakespearean performance. A subsequent volume by Wilhelm Hortmann discusses Shakespeare production in Germany from the early twentieth century to the present day.

This is an illustrated history of the performance and reception of Shakespeare's plays on the German stage from the English Comedians in the late sixteenth century to the First World War.
Reviews
"An exquisitely written and well-informed study of Shakespeare's reception and influence in Germany, from the earliest days of corrupted and clown-centered performances by 17th-century English companies through the innovations of Max Reinhardt." Choice "In an impressive feat of synthesis and condensation, Simon Williams has produced a stage history that also guides the reader briskly through the aesthetic thickets and critical forests that must be broached to comprehend the importance of Shakespeare, poet, dramatist, and persona, for the development of drama and stage theory in Germany...Williams provides a series of thoughtful, carefully researched, and comprehensive essays that are as good or better than anything that has been written in English on the subject." Carol Hall, Shakespeare Quarterly "...a superb and richly illustrated work..." Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9780521611930
Author Simon Williams
Format Paperback
Page Count 260
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 403g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 153mm * 17mm