Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Histories for Performance Studies and Theatre
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Brockett, Oscar G. History of the Theatre. 9th ed.
Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2003.
Bobst Ref1 PN2101 .B68 2003A good example of a general, chronological history of world theatre, several of which are in the Reference Room. Well illustrated. Indexed.
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Brownstein, Oscar Lee & Darlene M. Daubert.
Analytical Sourcebook of Concepts in Dramatic Theory. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1981.
Bobst Ref1 Z5781.B84 & Bobst Z5781 .B84Provides extracts of writings by dramatic theorists from Aristotle to Brecht, arranged under such categories as Action, Catharsis, Pathos, and the Three Unities. Includes bibliographies. Indexed.
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The Cambridge Guide to World Theatre. Martin Banham, ed. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1995.
Bobst Ref1 PN2035.C27 1995Entries cover individuals, national theater traditions (these include brief bibliographies), and other dramatic topics (Theory, Copyright, Lighting, Folk Theatre, etc.). Strong on popular entertainments. International in scope.
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Enciclopedia dello Spettacolo. 9 vols. Rome: Maschere, 1954-1962. Aggiornamento (Supplement). Rome: Unione Editoriale, 1968.
Bobst Ref1 PN1625.E7The most comprehensive and thorough international performing arts encyclopedia available. Covers all aspects of theatrical entertainment. In Italian, but much useful information for the English-speaking reader. Profusely illustrated.
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Hartnoll, Phyllis, ed. The Oxford Companion to the Theatre.
4th ed. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, 1983.
Bobst Ref1 PN2035.H3 1983 [Also New School Ref & Cooper Union Ref]Offers concise, authoritative essays on all forms of theater, from street performance to legitimate stage, from ancient Greece to the present. Entries for persons, terms, topics, famous theaters, and other proper names.
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An International Dictionary of Theatre Language.
Joel Trapido, gen. ed. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1985.
Bobst Ref1 PN2035.I5 1985Defines 15,000 theatrical terms in English and 60 foreign languages. Time spans 6th century BCE to the present day, and covers all aspects of production and drama. Omits terms found in general, English- language dictionaries.
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McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of World Drama. 2nd ed. 5 vols. Stanley Hochman, ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 1984.
Bobst Ref1 PN1625.M3 1984 v.1-5Useful surveys of careers and plays of major dramatists. Each entry includes a select bibliography of critical studies.
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Racinet, Albert. The Historical Encyclopedia of Costumes.
New York, NY: Facts on File, 1988.
Bobst Ref1 GT510.R3313 1988A reprint of the classic 1888 work. Abundantly illustrated. One of several costume and fashion encyclopedias and dictionaries in the Reference Room.
