A Dictionary of Stage Directions in English Drama - Definitive

In this review of A Dictionary of Stage Directions in English Drama the reviewer finds a focused academic resource for anyone working with early modern plays; its single biggest strength is the breadth of primary evidence behind each entry, making it the most reliable guide to stage directions from Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Drawing on a database of over 22,000 stage directions across roughly 500 plays, this work is valuable for those who need precise definitions, contextual examples and cross-references rather than speculative commentary.

Key Features

• Extensive database: Entries are informed by more than 22,000 stage directions collected from around 500 plays, offering unmatched textual grounding for each term.
• Comprehensive definitions: Each headword is defined clearly to reduce ambiguity when interpreting historical stage instructions.
• Contextual examples: The dictionary provides cited examples of how terms are used in original plays, which helps readers see practice as well as definition.
• Cross-references: Related entries are linked within explanations so users can follow terminology networks across entries and deepen understanding.
• Scholarly utility: The format and documentation suit historians, editors and directors who require reliable, citable information for research or production notes.

Who It's For

This work is aimed squarely at scholars of drama, editors of early modern texts, theatre historians, directors planning period-accurate productions and actors studying stage practice. Its emphasis on primary examples and cross-referencing makes it ideal for anyone who needs authoritative, research-grade definitions rather than popular summaries.

Those seeking a general introduction to theatre or a book focused on modern staging techniques may find the scope too specialized; this is not a how-to guide for contemporary directing but a historical reference that supports scholarly and production work.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Unparalleled source base with over 22,000 indexed stage directions for confident citation.
• Clear, concise definitions that reduce uncertainty about period-specific terminology.
• Examples and citations that let readers verify usage in original plays.
• Cross-references that aid deeper research across related stage terms.

Cons

• The focus on historical stage directions means it is narrowly specialized and not a general textbook on performance practice.

Specifications

Title	A Dictionary of Stage Directions in English Drama 15801642
Authors	Alan C. Dessen, Leslie Thomson
Coverage	Stage directions from Shakespeare and contemporaries
Source base	Database of over 22,000 stage directions
Number of plays referenced	Approximately 500 plays
Entry content	Definition, examples, citations and cross-references

Our Verdict

A Dictionary of Stage Directions in English Drama is a specialist reference that repays close use: scholars and practitioners who need historically grounded definitions and primary examples should consider it essential, while casual readers or those seeking modern staging advice should look elsewhere. Its depth and documentation make it strong value for research and production preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this dictionary include examples from Shakespeare?
Yes, entries draw on stage directions from Shakespeare among other early modern dramatists and cite specific play instances.

Is this suitable for practical stage blocking in modern productions?
It provides historical meaning and examples but is not a modern directing manual; directors can use it for historical authenticity rather than contemporary technique.

Who compiled the data behind the entries?
The authors, Alan C. Dessen and Leslie Thomson, built the entries from a collected database of over 22,000 stage directions across about 500 plays.