Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0521658810, Paperback)

This book offers students and teachers a comprehensive, readable and authoritative introduction to the study of Shakespeare, by means of nineteen newly commissioned essays. An international team of prominent scholars provide a broadly cultural approach to the chief literary, performative and historical aspects of Shakespeare's work. They bring the latest scholarship to bear on both traditional and recently defined subjects of Shakespeare studies. Helpful reference features include chronologies of the life and works, illustrations, detailed reading lists and a bibliographical essay.