British Identities and English Renaissance Literature

Though British history and identity in the early modern period are intensively researched areas, the role of literature in the construction of "Britishness" has not been thoroughly studied. In this volume, leading Renaissance literary critics review a broad range of texts from the period, including plays of Shakespeare, in view of the new British history. This collection opens up a new kind of literary history with immediate relevance to contemporary discussions of "Britishness."

Though British history and identity in the early modern period are intensively researched areas, to date, the role of literature in the construction of 'Britishness' is under-examined. In this volume, leading Renaissance literary critics read a broad range of texts from the period, including plays of Shakespeare, in light of the new British history. This collection opens up a new kind of literary history and has pressing relevance for discussions of 'Britishness' today.