First Published in 1993. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

The Classical Monologue in two volumes, one for men and one for women, is a fresh selection of the best speeches from the repertoire of the classical theatre, from the Greeks to the beginning of the 20th century. These great dramatic monologues--from all periods and styles, all varied in tone and genre--make an indispensable actor's companion for auditioning, rehearsing and performing. Each monologue is accompanied by textual notes explaining any unusual vocabulary or syntax, and by commentary in which the editors offer interpretative points and practical advice in preparing the speech for performance. Both beginners and experienced actors will find The Classical Monologue a treasury of theatrical riches waiting to be released on stage.

Fifty fabulous, fresh, new classical monologues for men await you within these pages. Everyone from the ancient Greeks to novelists of the 19th century is represented. They are not translated; they are adapted to the actor's needs and accessible to modern audiences. There are 25 dramatic and 25 comic-the largest collection of comic classical monologues on the market. The book is divided into 4 sections: Young Women's Dramatic, Mature Women's Dramatic, Young Women's Comedic and Mature Women's Com

"Classical Monologues for Women" contains monologues from English plays from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, and American plays of the 18th century.

Selection of speeches drawn from landmark plays stretching from classical theatre through to the nineteenth century.

Offers over forty-five monologues for men drawn from classical plays throughout the ages and ranging across all of Western theater.

Contains over 250 monologues that cover over two thousand years of theatrical history.