The study of medieval drama has long been hindered by the absence of a centralized, comprehensive bibliography that accommodates the wide-ranging interests of scholars and students. Existing references are often too narrow, focusing exclusively on specific genres like mysteries and miracles, or too limited in the number of entries. While resources such as Wells's Manual provide some guidance, their segmented supplements and restricted scope fall short of addressing the broader needs of the field. This bibliography seeks to fill that gap by encompassing a wide range of materials, including liturgical plays, mysteries, miracles, moralities, and interludes, while excluding formal comedies, tragedies, and masques. By incorporating not only English drama but also influential works from France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, the bibliography underscores the interconnectedness of medieval theatrical traditions across Europe.
Organized into twelve main divisions with detailed subdivisions, the bibliography is designed for ease of use and practicality. It includes general critical studies, individual play editions, and analyses of specific works, all listed alphabetically for quick reference. Each entry provides comprehensive bibliographic details, including author names, full titles, publication information, and pagination. Starred entries highlight particularly authoritative works, and cross-references link materials spanning multiple categories. Special attention is given to unique sections, such as the comprehensive treatment of Everyman, the rarely addressed writings of Hrotswitha, and anthologies of cycle plays. Additional resources include entries for unpublished masters' and doctoral dissertations, critical book reviews, and Festschriften, offering a multidimensional view of medieval drama scholarship.
To further assist researchers, the bibliography incorporates practical tools such as library location symbols, a subject-indexing system for articles within books, and an appendix that cross-references plays with their respective anthologies. Manuscripts are cataloged wherever possible, and periodical articles are represented using standard or custom symbols for efficient reference. Appendices also provide information on library holdings of serial publications and trace plays across various collections. This detailed organization ensures that the bibliography serves as both a foundational resource for beginners and an advanced tool for seasoned scholars, encouraging deeper exploration and new contributions to the study of medieval drama.
This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1954.
