Books by Richard (Ohio State University) Dutton

Shakespeare's Theatre: A History examines the theatre spaces used by William Shakespeare, and explores these spaces in relation to the social and political framework of the Elizabethan era. The text journeys from the performing spaces of the provincial inns, guild halls and houses of the gentry of the Bard's early career, to the purpose-built outdoor playhouses of London, including the Globe, the Theatre, and the Curtain, and the royal courts of Elizabeth and James I. The author also discusses the players for whom Shakespeare wrote, and the positioning--or dispositioning--of audience members in relation to the stage.Widely and deeply researched, this fascinating volume is the first to draw on the most recent archaeological work on the remains of the Rose and the Globe, as well as continuing publications from the Records of Early English Drama project. The book also explores the contentious view that the 'plot' of The Seven Deadly Sins (part II), provides unprecedented insight into the working practices of Shakespeare's company and includes a complete and modernized version of the 'plot'. Throughout, the author relates the practicalities of early modern playing to the evolving systems of aristocratic patronage and royal licensing within which they developedInsightful and engaging, Shakespeare's Theatre is ideal reading for undergraduates, postgraduates, and scholars of literature and theatre studies.

Ben Jonson's Volpone is the most widely taught and commonly performed English Renaissance play outside of Shakespeare. However, the dramatic circumstances of its writing are little known. In this 2008 book, Dutton describes the play's close links with the sensational Gunpowder Plot, an event in which Jonson was closely involved.