The History of the Harlequinade, Volume 2 (of 2)

The History of the Harlequinade, Volume 2, written by Maurice Sand and published in 1915, is a scholarly examination of the commedia dell'arte and its evolution into European theatrical traditions. This volume focuses on the 'old man' archetypes, particularly Pantaloon, tracing their origins from ancient comedy through to their adaptations in musical theatre. Sand blends historical analysis with anecdotes about performers and productions, detailing the transformation of characters, costumes, and comedic styles across regions. This work is notable for its comprehensive study of the interplay between character and performance in the development of comedic theatre.