John Ruskin and the Victorian Theatre

This is the first book to explore the involvement of John Ruskin, the important Victorian thinker, with the popular theatre of his time. Based on original archival research, this book offers a fresh look at the aesthetic and social theories of Ruskin, 'the sage of Brantwood', and his direct and indirect influence on the commercial theatre of the late nineteenth century. As well as his writings, Ruskin's friendships with major Victorian actors such as Henry Irving, Wilson Barrett, Madge Kendal and Mary Anderson are explored, casting new light on the importance of the theatre to our understanding of Victorian culture. John Ruskin and the Victorian Theatre also offers original scholarship on the popular genres of pantomime, melodrama and the 'toga play' by two of the leading scholars in the field of Victorian theatre history, with an emphasis on the popular stage as a meeting place for all the arts: music, painting, sculpture and performance.

Katherine Newey is Professor of Drama and Theatre Arts at the University of Birmingham, UK. She has published widely on nineteenth century theatre, and women's writing, including Women's Theatre Writing in Victorian Britain and Ruskin, the Theatre and Victorian Visual Culture.
Jeffrey Richards is Professor of Cultural History at Lancaster University, UK, and has published widely on different aspects of Victorian culture. His most recent publications include Imperialism and Music, Sir Henry Irving: A Victorian Actor and his World, Hollywood's Ancient Worlds and Ruskin, the Theatre and Victorian Visual Culture.