Review by Choice Review
A thorough, judicious, and comprehensive study that has been much needed and is not likely to be superseded in its full scope for a long time. No study comparable in scope exists other than Fernand Lagarde's John Webster (Toulouse, 1968), a two-volume life-and-works study with an excessive concentration on Machiavellianism. Well-considered, somewhat overlapping organization makes the parts of Forker's book separately useful as a biography, as a study of literary development, and as a critical analysis of major works. Analyses are opinionated but not limited to a single critical approach, and they give full account of divergent views, though one might quarrel with the weight given to some. A final, brief section on Webster's reputation is more summary than one might like, especially in its treatment of the revival of interest in Webster inspired by Leavis and Eliot. It would be appropriate for a volume of this scope to include definitive bibliography; but the footnotes provide the information, only less conveniently, and the clear organization of the book makes it relatively easy to use the footnote references as a guide. Highly recommended for graduate and advanced undergraduate collections, it belongs in any collection serving readers with a serious interest in Webster.-J. Applegate, Wilson College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Library Journal Review
Very little is known about John Webster, a younger contemporary of Shakespeare. His reputation today rests mainly on two plays: The White Devil and The Dutchess of Malfi, the latter an acknowledged masterpiece of Jacobean tragedy. Forker provides a comprehensive overview of what is known, deduced, or guessed about Webster's life, as well as detailed discussions of his major works, minor works, collaborations, and attributions. Although this work has been intended as a basic ``textbook'' on Webster, the sheer volume of information here will certainly alienate the casual reader. (Is the rise and reception of coach-makers in England, for instance, at all relevant?) Nevertheless, an excellent addition to any academic library. James Stephenson, George Washington Univ. Lib., Washington, D.C. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Choice Review
Review by Library Journal Review
