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The Witch of Edmonton

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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Set in 1621, The Witch of Edmonton dramatizes the tragic tale of Elizabeth Sawyer, condemned as a witch and executed at Tyburn. The play intertwines her story with that of Frank Thorney, who secretly marries a second wife, creating a dark parallel of deception and supernatural intrigue. Known for its nuanced exploration of witchcraft and human frailty, the narrative offers a balanced view of guilt and compassion.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3899
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Ideal for students and scholars of theatre, history, and cultural studies, as well as readers interested in early modern drama and witchcraft narratives.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

On 19 April 1621, a woman named Elizabeth Sawyer was hanged at Tyburn. Her story was on the bookstalls within days and within weeks was adapted for the stage as The Witch of Edmonton.

The devil stalks Edmonton in the shape of a large black dog and, just as Elizabeth Sawyer makes her demonic pact, the newlywed Frank Thorney enters into his own dark bargain in the shape of a second, bigamous marriage.

Torn between sympathy for Sawyer and Thorney and a clear-eyed assessment of their crimes, the play was the finest and most nuanced treatment of witchcraft that the stage would see for centuries.

Lucy Munro's introduction provides students and scholars with a detailed understanding of this complex play.

Series: Arden Early Modern Drama

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781904271529

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 December 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Arden Shakespeare

Illustration: 21 bw illus

Contributors:

  • Edited by Lucy Munro

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 260g

Pages: 320

About the Author

Lucy Munro is Lecturer in Early Modern English Literature at King's College London, UK. She is also Secretary of the Marlowe Society of America, Publicity Officer for the Malone Society, and a member of the Architecture Research Group at Shakespeare’s Globe and the steering group of the London Renaissance Seminar.

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