About this book
Kemps Nine Daies Wonder Performed in a Daunce from London to Norwich by William Kemp is a vivid, first‑hand account of one of Elizabethan theatre’s most dramatic publicity stunts — a nine‑day jig that doubled as performance, pilgrimage, and spectacle. Kemp, famed as a comic actor and successor to the celebrated Tarlton, narrates his journey with the clown’s wit intact; the text preserves the original spellings and idiosyncratic punctuation, with scholarly notes that illuminate obscure references and footnoted variants.
Part memoir, part theatrical pamphlet, this art‑historical gem situates Kemp’s dance within the culture of late 16th‑ and early 17th‑century English stagecraft, exploring the role of the clown, the infectious popularity of the jig, and the interplay of performance, publicity, and urban life. An introduction and editorial notes guide modern readers through antiquated language and contextual detail without diluting Kemp’s personality or energy.
Perfect for students and lovers of theatre history, performance studies, early modern England, and art enthusiasts curious about the material culture of spectacle, this audiobook brings a lively primary source to life — ideal for listeners seeking a direct, entertaining window into Elizabethan popular performance.