Synopsis
This three-volume work contains sixty original essays that, for the first time, present the broadest range of Shakespeare studies in one accessible set. As a valuable learning and research tool for students, teachers, general readers, and Shakespeare scholars alike, the collection is distinguished for both its readability and detail and for the new thinking it encourages about the man, his world, his work, and his influence.
Volume 1, His World, establishes the historical and cultural context of Shakespeare's writing. The contributors are all renowned historians, and they offer a comprehensive view of the intellectual and political climate, as well as the day-to-day life of Renaissance England. These essays provide a complete introduction to the society in which Shakespeare wrote and which, in turn, helped shape his masterpieces.
Volume II, His Work, focuses on the man and his artistry. Here, widely recognized scholars and critics examine Shakespeare's life, his career, his perceptions of the world, and his personal affairs. Each of the essays offers a fresh perspective on the interpretation of Shakespeare's works, and several pieces are specifically devoted to the texts themselves. This volume will be particularly to the reader who is interested in textual and thematic analysis.
Volume III, His Influence, surveys the effect that Shakespeare has had on theatrical production, playwriting, literature, education, and popular culture from Elizabethan times to the present. The discussions are varied in approach - some are technical in nature, others have a historical emphasis, and still others represent evaluations of Shakespeare and his influence on our lives today. Overall, these essays show why the playwright's work has endured through the centuries and what its impact has been on educational, political, and social institutions.
Reviews
This collection of 60 original essays delivers what its subtitle promises, a comprehensive background to Shakespeare studies, valuable to scholars and general readers alike. The high-quality essays address major interpretive issues; they avoid the narrowed focus of academic journals. The set's uniqueness in a crowded field lies in its provision of what amounts to an education in Shakespeare. Since the essays demand close study, not quick reference, this reviewer regrets the expensive, though beautiful, format; wider circulation could extend the work's deserved audience. Margaret Hallissy, English Dept., Long Island Univ., C.W. Post Ctr., Greenvale, N.Y.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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