Routledge - Carnival and Literature in Early Modern England

Explore the connection between festive traditions and English Renaissance writing in Carnival and Literature in Early Modern England. Published by Routledge, this scholarly work examines how elite and popular festive materials were used by authors across a variety of dramatic and non-dramatic texts. In this study, Jennifer Vaught traces the impact of seasonal customs on the plays and poetry of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century writers. Even though historical records of rural, urban, and courtly rituals are often fragmentary, this book provides a clear look at how these traditions shaped the literary landscape of the era. Readers will find detailed analysis regarding the work of major figures including Shakespeare, Spenser, Marlowe, Dekker, Jonson, and Milton. This text is an essential resource for those studying the history and criticism of performing arts and English literature during the early modern period.