{"product_id":"2026200010882-secondhand-the-english-mummers-and-their-plays-traces-of-ancient-mystery","title":"The English Mummers And Their Plays: Traces Of Ancient Mystery","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition remarks:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good. Jacket: Worn\/faded - no tears.  Page Condition: Good - some tanning. Markings: No markings observed. Binding condition: Firm. No stickers or labels observed. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe English Mummers and Their Plays: Traces of Ancient Mystery stands as a scholarly investigation into one of England's oldest and most enigmatic folk traditions — the mummers' play. Alan Brody, drawing on his expertise as an academic, argues that these ritualistic performances are far more than quaint seasonal entertainments, tracing their roots back to pre-Christian fertility rites and ancient ceremonial custom. The work presents a detailed examination of the dramatic structures, recurring characters, and symbolic motifs that persist across hundreds of regional variations of the plays, illuminating how ancient mystery survives within them. Written with the rigor of literary and anthropological scholarship, the book situates mummers' plays within a broader cultural and historical framework, connecting folk drama to the deep mythological currents of British life. It is an indispensable reference for anyone with a serious interest in the history of English theatre, folk customs, or the ritual origins of performance.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secondhand Stock","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48956137373915,"sku":"2026200010882-SECONDHAND","price":75.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0523\/7646\/9701\/files\/7e6d765a-2b90-4be0-8f51-1ca234eccc47.png?v=1783498242","url":"https:\/\/bookgrocer.com\/products\/2026200010882-secondhand-the-english-mummers-and-their-plays-traces-of-ancient-mystery","provider":"Book Grocer","version":"1.0","type":"link"}