Bibliographies on a topic often can save a researcher much time because they compile in one place many sources on a topic. Below are four examples found in the theatre section of the Reference Department; however, most bibliographies are in the Book Stacks and can be located using the online catalog.
ref PN 2221.S550 1993
Silvester, Robert. United States Theatre: A Bibliography from the Beginning to 1990. Romsey, Hampshire, England: Motley, 1993.
ref PN 2581.C380 1989
Cavanagh, John. British Theatre: A Bibliography 1901 to 1985. Mottifont, Hampshire, England: Motley, 1989.
These two bibliographies differ only in their geographical and chronological coverage as indicated in their titles. Each has three sections: A. Theatre, B. Drama, and C. Musical; however, far more than half of each volume is devoted to the first part, Theatre. There are articles on topics such as lighting and sound, costume design, acting, and directing. In addition, there is information on individual theatres arranged by states and towns in the U. S. volume and by town in the British volume. Each also has a section covering theatrical biography. The volumes include only separately published materials, such as books, dissertations, theses, and pamphlets-an often overlooked, valuable source; journal articles are not included.
ref PN 2581.A760 1970
Arnott, James Fullarton and John William Robinson. English Theatrical Literature, 1559-1900: A Bibliography. London, The Society for Theatre Research, 1970.
A predecessor to the Cavanagh volume listed above, this volume lists English (including Scottish and Irish) printed materials (excluding most playbills and programs) on the theatre from the beginning to 1900. Materials are categorized under the following broad headings with subheadings for each of these sections: Bibliography, Government Regulations of the Theatre, The Morality of the Theatre, The Arts of the Theatre, General History, The London Theatre (general and individual theatres), The Theatre Out of London (general and individual towns), A National Theatre, Opera, Irregular Forms: Pantomine, Music Hall, The Amateur Theatre, Biography (collective and individual), Theory and Criticism, and Periodicals. While there are author and titles indexes, there is no subject index; accordingly, the reader must browse the table of contents in order to locate the appropriate chapter for research needs. This volume is essential to use when researching any aspect of British theatre prior to 1900.
ref PN 2221.S770
Stratman, Carl J. Bibliography of the American Theatre, Excluding New York City. Chicago: Loyola, 1965.
This bibliography covers various types of theatres in individual towns and cities of the United States. Arranged by state and then by city, the materials listed include journal articles, books, theses, dissertations, and pamphlets. No reviews of performances are included
Page Author: Nancy Fogarty
Theatre Librarian
