Kleine artige Kupfer
Eighteenth-century book illustration in the spotlight.
Criticks – BSECS online reviews
The eighteenth century was the first great age of criticism. In this spirit, the Criticks website provides entertaining, informative and provocative reviews of events and media that are of interest to scholars of the eighteenth century. These complement the reviews of books that are published in the journal of the Society, Journal for Eighteenth-Century Studies.
Plays, concerts, operas, exhibitions, films, broadcasts and online resources are here considered in depth by experts in the field. If there is an event that you would like to see reviewed in these pages, or if you would like to review for us, please contact one of the editors below:
Criticks Editor
Criticks Subject Editors
Fine Art: Miriam Al Jamil
Media: Daniel Cook and Adam James Smith
Music: Hannah Templeton
Theatre: Katie Aske
The Captive Queen
A welcome revival, but Dryden's work requires more rigorous examination.
Poldark – Season Three
The eighteenth-century soap opera rolls on into an age of revolution.
Georgian Concert Society: Syrinx – Telemann: The Saxon Alternative
A programme highlighting the use of double reed and brass instruments in Telemann’s ensemble work.
Georgian Concert Society: Luisa Morales and Carole Cerasi
Works for harpsichord duet with a Spanish flavour, originally dedicated to Infante Gabriel of Borbon (1752 – 1788)
Harlots
An eye-catching depiction of the eighteenth-century sex trade that avoids titillation.
The Belle’s Stratagem (Royal Lyceum Theatre)
Relocated to Scotland, Cowley's play remains both enjoyable and challenging.
Johnson and Garrick: A Friendship in Constant Repair
A pleasant exhibition that showcases the richness of eighteenth-century theatrical culture, friendship and fame.
In Our Time: Aphra Behn
A domineering host attempts to steal the limelight from the great Restoration writer.
Art of Power: Masterpieces of the Bute Collection
A carefully curated treasure trove that sheds light on the collector as well as the art.