Richard II: New Critical Essays (Shakespeare Criticism) - Softcover

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1138828467 ISBN 13: 9781138828469

Publisher: Routledge, 2014

Synopsis

Arguably the first play in a Shakespearean tetralogy, Richard II is a unique and compelling political drama whose themes still resonate today. It is one of the few Shakespeare plays written entirely in verse and its format presents unique theatrical challenges. Politically engaged and controversial, it raises crucial debates about the relationship between early modern art, audience response and state power.

This collection provides a comprehensive and up-to-date survey of the critical and theatrical history of the play. The substantial introduction surveys the history of critical interpretations of Richard II since the eighteenth century. The eleven newly written critical essays by leading and emerging scholars in the field then adopt an eclectic range of critical approaches that encourage scholars and students to pursue new and imaginative directions with the text.

About this title

About the Author:

Jeremy Lopez is Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of Toronto, Canada. He is author of Shakespeare Handbooks: Richard II (2009), Theatrical Convention and Audience Response in Early Modern Drama (2004) and numerous articles on the drama of Shakespeare and his contemporaries.

Review:

'Throughout the book [Lopez's] selection of and attention to detail is interesting and thought-provoking. ...The book is well worth the attention of anyone studying or teaching the play.' - John Haddon, The Use of English '...short, curious and interesting...' - The Use of English 'Lopez is a sensitive and astute reader of texts as scripts for performance, frequently inviting us to think about symmetries in stage pictures and to attend to the resonance of silent characters. The deft nature with which he unpacks the rhetorical and poetic effects of this play is equally impressive.' - Julie Sanders, The Year's Contribution to Shakespeare Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1138828467
• ISBN 13: 9781138828469
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 286
• Editor: Lopez Jeremy