Censorship of British Drama 1900-1968 Volume 1
Volume One 1900-1932
Distributed for University of Exeter Press
352 pages
|
9-2/5 x 6-1/2
|
© 2003
This is the first part of a two volume analysis of British theatre censorship from 1900 until 1968, based on previously undocumented material in the Lord Chamberlain's Correspondence archives. It covers the period before 1932, when theatre was widely seen as a crucial medium with the power to shape the future of society, determining what people believed and how they behaved.
Where previous interpretations, based on more limited evidence and topics, have often constructed the Lord Chamberlain's Office either as an annoying but amusing irrelevance, or as dictatorial in its unchanging certainties, this study throws completely new light on the day-to-day functioning of the system and the principles, policies and detailed practice of theatre censorship. It uncovers the differing views and the disputes which occurred among and between the Lord Chamberlain and his Readers and Advisers, and discusses the extensive pressures exerted on him by bodies such as the Public Morality Council, the Church, the monarch, government departments, foreign embassies, newspapers, powerful individuals and those claiming to represent national or international opinion.
Based on the first comprehensive research on the Lord Chamberlain's Correspondence archives for the 20th century, this book explores the portrayal of a broad range of topics in relation to censorship, including the First World War, race and inter-racial relationships, contemporary and historical international conflicts, horror, sexual freedom and morality, class, the monarchy, and religion.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Because Lions Ain't Rabbits
Section One: 1900–1918
1. From Ibsenity to Obscenity: Principles and Practice 1900–1909
2. People Who Eat Peas With Their Knife: The Government Enquiry of 1909
3. Cats, Canaries and Guinea Pigs: Principles and Practice 1909–1913
4. A Clique of Erotic Women: The First World War (Part One)
5. The Hidden hand: The First World War (Part Two)
Section Two: 1919–1932
6. The Dead Men: Principles and Practice
7. No Screams from Rabbit: Horror and Religion
8. Merchandisers in Muck: The Immortal Maze
9. Our Good Humoured Community: Domestic Politics
10. Foreign Bodies: International Politics
Conclusion: A Gentler Process of Prevention
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Because Lions Ain't Rabbits
Section One: 1900–1918
1. From Ibsenity to Obscenity: Principles and Practice 1900–1909
2. People Who Eat Peas With Their Knife: The Government Enquiry of 1909
3. Cats, Canaries and Guinea Pigs: Principles and Practice 1909–1913
4. A Clique of Erotic Women: The First World War (Part One)
5. The Hidden hand: The First World War (Part Two)
Section Two: 1919–1932
6. The Dead Men: Principles and Practice
7. No Screams from Rabbit: Horror and Religion
8. Merchandisers in Muck: The Immortal Maze
9. Our Good Humoured Community: Domestic Politics
10. Foreign Bodies: International Politics
Conclusion: A Gentler Process of Prevention
Notes
Select Bibliography
Index
For more information, or to order this book, please visit http://www.press.uchicago.edu
Google preview here
History: British and Irish History
You may purchase this title at these fine bookstores. Outside the USA, see our international sales information.
