B. Ifor Evans (1899–1982)

A great find. One of those impulse buys from my favourite 2nd hand bookshop.

This tiny volume is packed with just enough info to give you an educated introduction to the history of English drama and the dramatists who have shaped it into the way it is today. Well the way it was when this was published in the late 1940's.

The author keeps his own opinions to a minimum, which is refreshing, and even when they are included; they are almost as asides.

I was surprised at the brevity of the chapters on the later (18th and 19th) centuries, when compared to those dealing with periods where much of the work is no longer extant. The Tudor period in particular. But then again how can you not give Shakespeare a chapter to himself.

A wonderful read: clear, informative and a delight to read. Highly recommended.

I see there is a companion book on English Literature too...… (more)