Courtships, Marriage Customs, and Shakespeare's Comedies [Hardcover]

Loreen L. Giese's study of over 5000 important folios of court depositions contemporary with Shakespeare's plays demonstrates the complex ways those plays participate in and comment upon their culture, rather than stand apart from it. Both the court records and the plays present women as agents who are capable of challenging their traditional roles.Introduction: Consenting Adults: 'In the way of marriage' Choosing a Spouse Determining Marital Suitability Courting Behaviors: Talking, Tokens, and Touching Contracting Couples: Vows, Hand Holding, and Gift Giving Postscript: Assessing Public Fame and Mapping the Matrimonial Maze

Giese offers a strong and richly-evidenced argument, and the fundamental research will not soon be outdated or overtaken. This book will be a valuable addition to the bookshelf of scholars of early modern marriage, London, and Shakespeare. - Vanessa Harding, Birkbeck, University of London.

The material in the London Consistory Court depositions is fascinating-it provides a rare opportunity to hear voices of the sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries talking about details of personal lives. - Linda Woodbridge, Pennsylvania State University

LOREEN L. GIESE is Assistant Professor of English at Ohio University, USA.