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Revision as of 21:18, 19 October 2009 by David McInnis (talk | contribs) (added temporary 'under construction' message)

Lost Plays Database: Introduction

The Lost Plays Database is a wiki-style forum for scholars to share information about lost plays in England, 1580-1642. Its purpose is to add lost plays to scholarly discussions of early modern theatrical activity.


The editors believe that lost plays are a potential source of significant information on playwrights, playing companies, venues in London and the provinces, repertory studies, and audiences. The database provides a web-accessible, web-editable site for data on these plays concerning theatrical provenance, sources, genre, and authorship.


Users of the Lost Plays Database will find information drawn from the following, as applicable:

• Stationers’ Register

• Henslowe's Diary

• Legal records

• Narrative and dramatic sources

• Scholarly commentary

• Online databases and digital archives


Unlike many public wikis, the Lost Plays Database is not open to public editing: for quality control, potential contributors must apply to the editors for contributing privileges (see How to Contribute).



Whilst the Lost Plays Database is being constructed, we are not approving account requests.

We hope you enjoy browsing the site.

If you are interested in contributing, please check back again in late November.