E-text prepared by Ted Garvin, Taavi Kalju,
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THE GROWTH
OF ENGLISH DRAMA

BY

ARNOLD WYNNE, M.A.

OXFORD
AT THE CLARENDON PRESS

Printed in England
At the Oxford University Press
By John Johnson
Printer to the University

Impression of 1927
First edition, 1914

[Pg 5]

PREFACE

In spite of the fact that an almost superabundant literature ofexposition has gathered round early English drama, there is, I believe,still room for this book. Much criticism is available. But the studentcommonly searches through it in vain for details of the plots andcharacters, and specimens of the verse, of interludes and plays whichtime, opportunity, and publishers combine to withhold from him. Notableexceptions to this generalization exist. Such are Sir A.W. Ward'smonumental English Dramatic Literature, and that delightful volume,J.A. Symonds' Shakespeare's Predecessors; but the former extends itssurvey far beyond the limits of early drama, while the latter too oftenpasses by with brief mention works concerning which the reader wouldgladly hear more. Some authors have written very fully, but upon only asection of pre-Shakespearian dramatic work. Of others it may generallybe said that their purposes limit to criticism their treatment of allbut the best known plays. The present volume attempts a morecomprehensive plan. It presents, side by side with criticism, such dataas may enable the reader to form an independent judgment. Possibly forthe first time in a book of this scope almost all the plays of theUniversity Wits[Pg 6] receive separate consideration, while such familiartitles as Hick Scorner, Gammer Gurton's Needle, and The Misfortunesof Arthur cease to be mere names appended to an argument. As aconsequence it has been possible to examine in detail the influence ofsuch men as Heywood, Udall, Sackville, and Kyd, and to trace from itsbeginning, with much closer observation than a more general methodpermits, the evolution of the Elizabethan drama.

I have read the works of my predecessors carefully, and humblyacknowledge my indebtedness to such authorities as Ten Brink and Ward.From Mr. Pollard's edition of certain English Miracle Plays I haveborrowed one or two quotations, in addition to information gathered fromhis admirable introduction. Particularly am I under an obligation to Mr.Chambers, upon whose Mediaeval Stage my first chapter is chieflybased. To the genius of J.A. Symonds I tender homage.

For most generous and highly valued help as critic and reviser of mymanuscript I thank my colleague, Mr. J.L.W. Stock.

ARNOLD WYNNE.

South African College,
Cape Town.

[Pg 7]

CONTENTS