Shakespeare
By Peter Alexander.
Scholars have long had to choose between con–
flicting views of Shakespeare's background. This authoritative study shows
how unwarranted were Nicholas Rowe's assumptions (of 1709) that
Shakespeare lived "in a state of almost universal licence and ignorance."
The author upholds John Aubrey's assertion (in 1608) that Shakespeare
was at one time "a schoolmaster in the country." He examines the way
in which Shakespeare was able to transform his source material in the
interest of dramatic purpose, and traces the development of his genius
from its earliest manifestations to its culmination.
$1.70
Conrad's Polish Background
Edited by Zdzislaw Najder. Translated by Malina Carroll.
This
'correspondence, most of which has not been previously translated into
English or published, contains valuable biographical and psychological
material about Conrad's personality and early life.
It
includes many
letters to him from his uncle and guardian, Tadeusz Bobrowski, and
about eight from Conrad to Polish correspondents. Conrad's "Political
Memorandum," and an unusual document detailing his family and
financial position, are also included. Notes explain the circumstances
of the letters.
$7.20
Modern Prose Style
Second Edition
By Bonamy Dobree.
In the first edition of this perceptive and practical
critique Mr. Dobree analyzed passages of the most effective prose of the
century by authors writing between 1900 and 1934. His choice was
necessarily subjective, but generalizations emerged of immense value to
those wishing greater control in writing good prose. The new edition
includes examples that seem to indicate originality or invention from
more recent writers-among them Snow, Trilling, Salinger, Bellow,
and Golding.
$7.00
Antecede'nts of the English Novel
1400-1600
By Margaret Schlauch.
Between the verse compositIOns of Chaucer
in the fourteenth century and the prose style of the seventeenth, which
would eventuate in the modern narrative form of the novel, lie two
centuries of distinguished literary achievement. Throughout her survey
of this literature- medieval tales, chivalrous romances, Renaissance
novelle- Professor Schlauch highlights realistic influences, character
portrayals and situations, foreshadowing the techniques of the modern
novel.
$4.00
Oxford University Press/New York
