Songs From the British Drama

By Edward Bliss Reed

"Songs From the British Drama" is a comprehensive collection of lyrical verse found within the rich tradition of English theatrical literature. Compiled and edited by Edward Bliss Reed, this anthology spans several centuries, capturing the musical interludes and poetic highlights that once graced the stages of Britain. From the early Tudor interludes to the height of the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras, and into the Restoration, the work showcases the evolution of the dramatic song as both a plot device and a standalone piece of art.

Readers will find works by legendary playwrights such as William Shakespeare, Ben Jonson, and Beaumont and Fletcher, as well as lesser-known dramatists who contributed significantly to the lyrical landscape of their time. The collection emphasizes the variety of these compositions-ranging from haunting dirges and rowdy drinking songs to delicate love lyrics and pastoral choruses. This volume serves as an essential resource for students of English literature, theater historians, and lovers of classical poetry, offering a unique perspective on how music and verse were integrated into the fabric of British drama.

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• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025457285
• ISBN13: 9781025457284
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 406 Pages
• Weight: 1.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.1" x 9.2"