A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 3

"A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 3" by A. H. Bullen is a collection of theatrical works compiled and edited in the late 19th century, specifically during the period of 1882-1889. This anthology includes several plays from the Old English period, which speaks to the historical importance of the dramatic arts in England and illuminates the evolution of comedic and tragic narratives from earlier times. The collection features works like "Sir Gyles Goosecappe," showcasing the humorous quibbles and flamboyant characterizations typical of the genre. The opening of the collection introduces various plays and provides a detailed preface that discusses the editorial choices made by Bullen, such as the inclusion of plays that have not been reprinted or seen publication since their original performances. It highlights "Sir Gyles Goosecappe" as a clever comedy with notable influences from contemporary writers, setting the stage for explorations of identity, societal norms, and romance through witty dialogues and engaging interactions among characters like the foolish knight Sir Gyles, the earnest Lady Eugenia, and her suitors. The piece conveys not only the humor in character dynamics but also offers a glimpse of the larger thematic explorations inherent in Old English drama. (This is an automatically generated summary.)