RECENT STUDIES IN GEORGE CHAPMAN (1975-2009)

This essay surveys criticism of George Chapman from 1975 to 2009. 1998 saw the publication of a Penguin edition of some of his major works, and the inclusion of The Revenge of Bussy D'Ambois in the Oxford University collection Four Revenge Tragedies. It also marked the beginning of the reissue of the Homeric translations in three volumes of affordable paperback editions, completed in 2008 with the publication of the final volume. At the same time, there has been a small but noticeable upsurge in scholarly publications treating his work. Central to much of this work is Chapman's engagement with political theory, particularly as it is conducted through his imagining of France. Other major strands in recent criticism include several pieces on economic themes in Eastward Ho, as well as a debate as to the nature and significance of the collaborative authorship of that play. The Widow's Tears has also attracted some significant attention, with critics often focusing on the representation of the widow figure. Many of the key debates take place with regards to particular texts, so this essay is organized in sections for the drama (further split into sections on each play); the poetry (again split into sections for each major poetic work); and the translations. There are sections detailing more general criticism at the beginning of the essay, and at the beginning of each new major section. (S. M.)