Textile Shakespeare

Abstract

"Textile Shakespeare argues for the vital presence of the 'textile imagination' in the works of Shakespeare and his contemporaries, as it explores the economic, cultural, and social centrality of textiles to life in early modern England. In chapters based around different materials (linen, leather, wool, silk) and processes (sewing, cutting, folding), this book gives a comprehensive and immersive account of the place of textiles in early modern life and thought, and exploring and animating Shakespeare's plays in ways that have become largely invisible. Grounded in careful and illuminating close reading, it explores the entire range of Shakespeare's works, on the page and in performance in both the early modern theatre and on the contemporary stage. Richly illustrated, it includes detailed descriptions of surviving early modern garments and textiles, based on first-hand experience, and amasses and comprehensively reassesses the evidence for costuming and other staging in Shakespeare's time. It pays attention to textile labour, especially by women, and through its careful and original readings of Shakespeare's plays, it recovers the emotional and physical impact of clothing and other textiles on the lives and experiences of early modern people." -- Adapted from publisher's description.

Contents

Stuff -- Linen -- Leather/wool -- Silk -- Inky cloak -- Sew -- Cut -- Fold -- Ruff.