Humanistic Studies of the University of Kansas, Vol. 1

"Humanistic Studies of the University of Kansas, Vol. 1" by De Witt Clinton Croissant et al. is a scholarly publication produced in the early 20th century. This work primarily examines the contributions and significance of Colley Cibber, a prominent playwright and actor of the Restoration period, among other humanistic studies that explore various topics in literature and philosophy. The publication aims to provide a thorough assessment of Cibber's impact on English comedy and theater, offering insights into the evolution of sentimentality in comedic writing. The opening of this volume introduces a study focusing on the life and works of Colley Cibber, emphasizing the misconceptions about his character and literary significance. It outlines Cibber's multifaceted career, which includes playwriting, acting, and adaptation, while arguing against the notion of his intellectual inferiority as perpetuated by contemporaries like Pope. The text sets out to reevaluate Cibber's role in the transition towards sentimental comedy, detailing his foundational contributions to the genre and discussing specific plays, such as his operas and comedies, that illustrate his inventive spirit and the prevailing theatrical trends of his time. Through this opening portion, readers gain a glimpse into a critical analysis that seeks to reclaim Cibber's legacy in the context of English literary history.