Woman's Masterpiece, The

Anon. (1653)

Historical Records

Entered on Marriott's List (1653):

The Womans Master Peice

Theatrical Provenance

Unknown

Probable Genre(s)

Unknown

Possible Narrative and Dramatic Sources or Analogues

None known

References to the Play

None known

Critical Commentary

"The only evidence for the existence of a play of this name is Marriott's entry of the play in the Stationers' Register" (Bentley, 5.1447). Harbage, ("Elizabethan-Restoration palimpsest", 309), speculates that the play could have been by Brome, as the title sounds not unlike his, and that it could have been a basis for The Wild Gallant or The Mistaken Husband, Dryden plays which Harbage sees as possibly founded on lost Brome plays.

For What It's Worth

Harbage's speculations are, regrettably, wishful thinking.

For discussion of Marriott's list, follow this link: Marriott's List (1653)

Site created and maintained by Matthew Steggle, Sheffield Hallam University; updated 11 January 2010.