A Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 2

This volume brings together a handful of early‑Seventeenth‑Century English dramas that have never before been printed, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the vibrant theatrical world of the period. The editor’s careful scholarship attributes the works to such playwrights as Fletcher, Massinger, Shirley and Glapthorne, while also proposing a likely hand for the spirited “Dick of Devonshire.” The collection’s introductions and notes provide valuable context, making each play both accessible and historically resonant.

Among the pieces, “Dick of Devonshire” stands out for its deftly balanced craft and earnest moral tone. Centered on the bold soldier Richard Pike, the play opens with his candid, plain‑spoken recounting of daring exploits and the challenges that drive him back to the sea. Listeners will be drawn into Pike’s world of honor, camaraderie, and the gritty realities of early modern warfare, all rendered in language that feels both robust and surprisingly humane.