JOURNAL ARTICLE

Pedro Calderón de la Barca and the World Theatre in Early Modern Europe: The Theatrum Mundi of Celebration.

  • Published In: Renaissance & Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme, 2025, v. 48, n. 1/2. P. 416 1 of 3

  • Database: Historical Abstracts with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: LAUER, A. ROBERT 3 of 3

Abstract

The article reviews Rasmus Vangshardt's book, which explores the concept of the theatrum mundi in Pedro Calderón de la Barca's play *El gran teatro del mundo*. Vangshardt argues that Calderón reinterprets this metaphor, traditionally associated with pessimism, into one that celebrates life and joy, while also acknowledging elements of sadness present in the work. The book is noted for its innovative comparative analysis of Calderón's play within the broader context of literature, philosophy, and theology, although it faces some critiques regarding its claims about the authorship of the play's prelude and its theological assumptions. Overall, Vangshardt's work is positioned as a significant contribution to the study of Calderón and the thematic exploration of joy and theodicy in early modern European theatre. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:Renaissance & Reformation / Renaissance et Réforme. 2025/03, Vol. 48, Issue 1/2, p416
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:History
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0034-429X
  • DOI:10.33137/rr.v48i1-2.45735
  • Accession Number:186894225
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