Allardyce Nicoll

The commedia dell'arte was an improvised drama performed by masked players. How did the actors react to these demands and limitations? What force kept this form of theatre alive for more than two centuries and made Harlequin such a potent image? In this study of the commedia dell'arte, originally published in 1987, Professor Nicoll's concern is not to provide an historical survey of its origins or to trace the ascent and descent of Harlequin or any or any other character or 'mask', but rather to explore critically the answers to these and related questions. His arguments are based on the evidence of the play scenarios and contemporary documents as far as possible, and are illuminated by many illustrations that are either little-known or had not previously been reproduced.

A Critical Study of the Commedia dell' Arte

The World of Harlequin

An annual survey of Shakespearian study and production.

Shakespeare Survey

An Historical Survey from the Beginnings to the Present Time

British Drama

A History of Early Nineteenth Century Drama, 1850-1900

A History of Early Eighteenth Century Drama, 1700-1750

A History of Restoration Drama 1660-1700

Lesser English Comedies of the Eighteenth Century

A History of Early Nineteenth Century Drama, 1800-1850

William Blake & His Poetry

A History of Late Eighteenth Century Drama, 1750-1800

Extracts from British and Irish Plays

Readings from British Drama

From Aescylus to Anouilh

World Drama

Professor Nicoll's book is a rewritten and much enlarged version of his little study, The English Stage published in 1928.

A Short History

The English Theatre

Kenneth Muir

Shakespeare Survey: Volume 27, Shakespeare's Early Tragedies

Allardyce Nicoll

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