English professor publishes book review on Shakespeare in leading academic journal

Posted April 06, 2021 Print

GREENVILLE, Pa.-- Thiel College Professor of English Mary Theresa Hall, Ph.D., recently published a book review of Hannah Leah Crummé’s Shakespeare on the Record: Researching an Early Modern Life in the Spring 2020 issue of The Sixteenth-Century Journal: The Journal of Early Modern Studies.

Hall’s review analyzes the book’s 10 chapters for their inclusion of specific document and archival images and illustrations to demonstrate how the scholarly authors included in the book contribute significantly to the evolving field of Shakespeare biography. Her determination that each author provides expertise, erudition, and enthusiasm for Shakespearean archival studies notes the topics of fiscal prudence, the evolving budgetary system, and financial partnerships that worked conjointly with the political acumen, entertainment schedules, auditing systems, expenditures, licensing, as well as type, title, and location of court productions of Shakespeare’s performance by his theatrical company. Her review also highlights the book’s topics that are not commonly considered in Shakespearean literary studies, including the speculation surrounding Shakespeare’s will, the need for continued collaboration on print and digital publication, and exhibitions. Hall’s review concludes that Shakespeare on the Records is an illuminated and historically-based resource that may act as an archivist’s reference book and a student’s guide to Shakespeare conservation studies.

Hall received her bachelor’s degree in English and secondary certification in English and French from Seton Hill University, a master’s in literature from Carnegie Mellon University, and a Ph.D. from Duquesne University. She has taught at Thiel College since 1999.