Gender, Theatre, and the Origins of Criticism

Delve into the fascinating intersection of gender, theatre, and criticism with Marcie Frank's insightful work, Gender, Theatre, and the Origins of Criticism, published by Cambridge University Press in 2011. Spanning 186 pages, this compelling study examines the significant impact of John Dryden's literary legacy on a host of influential women writers, including Aphra Behn, Catharine Trotter, and Delarivier Manley. Frank argues that Dryden not only established a rich literary tradition but also created a cultural inheritance that shaped the voices of these pioneering authors. This book is essential for anyone interested in English literature, theatre history, and the evolution of literary criticism, as it highlights the crucial role of women in the literary landscape of the 17th century. Explore the vibrant dialogue between gender and literature, and discover how these women authors navigated and transformed Dryden's legacy.