Shoemaker's Holiday by Thomas Dekker is a delightful and heartwarming play that explores themes of love, class, and the power of perseverance. Set in London, the story follows the journey of Simon Eyre, a humble shoemaker who rises to become the Lord Mayor of London.

The characters in the play are well-developed and likable, particularly Simon Eyre and his wife Margery. Their love story is endearing and adds a touch of romance to the plot. Dekker does a fantastic job of portraying the struggles and triumphs of the working class in Elizabethan England.

One of the strengths of Shoemaker's Holiday is its humor and wit. The play is filled with clever wordplay and comedic moments that keep the audience entertained throughout. Additionally, the themes of social mobility and the importance of hard work are still relevant today, making the play resonate with modern audiences.

Overall, Shoemaker's Holiday is an enjoyable and thought-provoking play that offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in Renaissance England. Dekker's writing is engaging and the story is both entertaining and meaningful. I highly recommend this play to anyone looking for a charming and insightful piece of literature.

Book Description:
The Shoemaker's Holiday is an Elizabethan play written by Thomas Dekker. It was first performed in 1599 by the Admiral's Men. It falls into the sub-genre of city comedy (depicting ordinary London life).Aristocrat Rowland Lacy falls in love with middle class girl Rose Oateley, but Rose's father and Lacy's uncle refuse to approve the match because of the class difference and Rowland's spendthrift lifestyle. Rowland is told to redeem himself by joining the army fighting in France. To avoid going, he persuades someone else to take his place and disguises himself as a Dutch shoemaker, Hans. He becomes an apprentice of eccentric but hard-working tradesman, Simon Eyre, and negotiates a business deal that bags his employer thousands of pounds. Eyre is made Sheriff of London and later, Lord Mayor.Meanwhile, another of Eyre's employees, Ralph, leaves for the French wars. He returns to find that his wife, Jane, has been poached by a rich dandy,