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John Ruskin and the Victorian theatre

Research output: Book/Report/ProceedingsBook

Published
Publication date2010
Place of PublicationBasingstoke
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Number of pages257
ISBN (print)9780230524996
<mark>Original language</mark>English

Abstract

This is the first book to explore the involvement of John Ruskin with the popular theatre of his age. Based on original archival research, the book offers a fresh look at the aesthetic and social theories of Ruskin and his direct and indirect influence on the commercial theatre of the late nineteenth century. As well as his writings, the book examines his friendships with major figures on the Victorian stage such as Henry Irving, Wilson Barrett, Madge Kendal and Mary Anderson. It highlights Ruskin’s fascination in particular with pantomime Shakespeare, toga plays and melodrama and casts new light on the role of theatre in Victorian cultural life.