Demystifying and contextualising Shakespeare for the twenty-first century, this book offers both an introduction to the subject for beginners as well as an invaluable resource for more experienced Shakespeareans.

In this friendly, structured guide, Robert Shaughnessy:






introduces Shakespeare’s life and works in context, providing crucial historical background
looks at each of Shakespeare’s plays in turn, considering issues of historical context, contemporary criticism and performance history
provides detailed discussion of twentieth-century Shakespearean criticism, exploring the theories, debates and discoveries that shape our understanding of Shakespeare today
looks at contemporary performances of Shakespeare on stage and screen
provides further critical reading by play
outlines detailed chronologies of Shakespeare’s life and works and also of twentieth-century criticism

The companion website at www.routledge.com/textbooks/shaughnessy contains student-focused materials and resources, including an interactive timeline and annotated weblinks.