King Lear's Wife; The Crier by Night; The Riding to Lithend; Midsummer-Eve; Laodice and Danaë (ePub)

Gordon Bottomley (1874-1948) was an English poet and dramatist synonymous with the early 20th-century resurgence of verse drama, an artistic movement that sought to reinvigorate the tradition of plays written primarily in verse. Bottomley's work often featured a blend of mythological themes and a fascination with the natural world, elements that echoed the Symbolist and Pre-Raphaelite influences prevalent during his early literary career. His plays are characterized by rich, evocative language and frequently explore the inner workings of his characters' psyches against the backdrop of sweeping landscapes and potent emotional struggles.
King Lear's Wife (1915), perhaps Bottomley's best-known work, exemplifies his use of lyrical dialogue to reinterpret the experiences of Shakespearean characters. With a focus on the untold story of King Lear's queen, this play highlights Bottomley's interest in the untapped narratives of classical literature. His other notable works, including The Crier by Night (1902), The Riding to Lithend (1909), Midsummer-Eve (1905), and Laodice and Danaë (1927), further underscore his penchant for folklore, tragedy, and ancient historical settings. Though his prominence has faded since his passing, Bottomley's unique contribution to verse drama continues to be studied by scholars interested in the revival of poetic plays in the modernist period.