The Routledge Guide to William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is one of the most widely studied and culturally significant writers of all time, and his language and thought remain interwoven through popular reference and imaginings of the Western canon. Demystifying and contextualizing Shakespeare for the twenty-first century, this book offers both an introduction to the subject for beginning students and an invaluable resource for more experienced Shakespeareans.

Key Features

introduces Shakespeare's life and works in context, providing crucial historical background

examines each of Shakespeare's plays in turn, considering issues of historical context, contemporary criticism and performance history

provides a detailed discussion of twentieth-century Shakespearean criticism, exploring the theories, debates and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of Shakespeare today

looks at contemporary performances of Shakespeare on stage and screen

provides useful further critical reading by play

includes detailed chronologies of Shakespeare's life and works and also of twentieth-century criticism

Robert Shaughnessy is Professor of Theatre at the University of Kent, where he teaches Shakespeare in performance and contemporary theatre.

1. Life and Contexts 2. Works 3. Criticism Chronology Bibliography Index