This ideal introduction to Shakespeare is designed to engage today's students with a colorful and informative narrative enriched by abundant historical documents.
Unique sets of primary documents in each chapter give students firsthand knowledge of early modern culture, including maps and illustrations, excerpts from conduct books, sermons, playhouse records, facsimiles from quartos and the First Folio, passages from Shakespeare's sources, dress laws, popular ballads, and more.
Covers the major topics essential to the study of Shakespeare including Shakespeare's life and work, the theater in Shakespeare's time, early modern social structures (family, class, and gender), the historical and political contexts of the plays, and everyday life in early modern England.
Thorough bibliography provides students with a convenient resource for locating additional materials and serves as an introduction to the most significant Shakespeare criticism.