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The Hollow Crown originated as a highly successful entertainment devised by John Barton for the Royal Shakespeare Company. It was, in effect, a stage anthology composed of prose, verse and music by and about the kings and queens of England, ranging fro the Normans to Queen Victoria. Its dramatic effect was gained not through lavish stage props and scenery or by a complex production, but by offering a mixture of comedy, tragedy, farce and chronicle which ideally suited the talents of such distinguished actors and actresses as Dame Peggy Ashcroft, Dorothy Tutin, Geraldine McEwan, Vanessa Redgrave, Max Adrian, Donald Sinden, Ian Richardson, Derek Godfrey and Alan Howard.
The present book is an elaboration of this basic theme. John Barton and Joy Law have uncovered a rich collection of new material to add to the original which brings to life once more the dead kings and queens. They are observed by their contemporaries, in some cases by later commentators, admiringly, cynically, pathetically, often in ludicrous situations, always vividly.
Here are the stark character of William the Conqueror; Edward II's horrifying death; the bloodshed of the Wars of the Roses; the amorous dalliance of Henry VIII; the outburst against smoking of James I; the impressive trial of Charles I; George III's eccentricities and George IV's extravagances; Victoria's view of her Coronation and her sharp treatment of a critical editor of the Times and much more besides.
Highlighting these pictures in words is a brilliant series of portraits, effigies, and cartoons, many rarely reproduced. These have been assembled by Joy Law and ideally complement the text.
CONDITIONHard Cover, 272 pages, 1971, USED with light to moderate wear to Dust Jacket and book is in VG+ condition.
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