Darryll Grantley has created a comprehensive guide to the interlude: the extant non-cycle drama in English from the late fourteenth century up to the period in which the London commercial theatre began. As precursors of seventeenth-century drama, not only do these interludes shed important light on the technical and literary development of Shakespearean theatre, but many are also works of considerable theatrical or cultural interest in themselves. This accessible reference guide provides an entry for each of the extant interludes and fragments (c.100) typically containing an account of early editions or manuscripts; authorship and sources; modern editions; plot summary and dramatis personae; list of social issues present in the plays; verbal and dramaturgical features; songs and music; allusions and place names; stage directions and comments on staging; and modern productions, among other valuable and informative details. There are full bibliographies, indexes of characters and songs, and appendices.

'Cambridge University Press is to be congratulated on the production of a sturdily bound volume with clear typeface and sensible margins. Easy to use with sensible use of bold typeface to indicate different section content, this reasonably priced reference guide will be the definitive work on its subject, English Dramatic Interludes. This major work should be in every library acquiring materials on English literature and English drama.' William Baker, Northern Illinois University

Darryll Grantley is Director of Graduate Studies in the School of Drama, Film and Visual Arts, University of Kent.