Humanistic Studies of the University of Kansas, Vol. 1

This first volume of the Humanistic Studies series brings together a quartet of academic essays prepared by early‑20th‑century scholars at the University of Kansas. The papers examine a range of subjects—from the theatrical innovations of the English Restoration to contemporary philosophical currents, Italian art, and the nuances of Latin suffixes—offering a snapshot of the interdisciplinary spirit of the time. Listeners will hear careful argumentation, vivid textual analysis, and the occasional glimpse into the research practices of a bygone era.

The opening essay, by De Witt C. Croissant, turns a fresh eye on the playwright Colley Cibber, whose reputation has long been colored by satirical attacks. It traces Cibber’s contributions as actor, manager, and adaptor, and re‑evaluates the dates and circumstances of his comedies to argue for a more nuanced view of his influence on the shift toward sentimental comedy. Rich with references to original manuscripts and library collections, the study invites listeners to reconsider a figure often reduced to a footnote in literary history.