Shakespeare: The Basics

Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare, exploring the language used and the ways in which his plays have been studied and understood.

---

Now in its third edition Shakespeare: The Basics is an insightful and informative introduction to the work of William Shakespeare. Exploring all aspects of Shakespeare’s plays including the language, cultural contexts, and modern interpretations, this text looks at how a range of plays from across the genres have been understood. Updates in this edition include:






Ecocritical, queer, presentist and gendered discussions of Shakespeare’s work



Studies of new performances including Tennant and Tate’s Much Ado About Nothing



Critical discussions of race and politics in Othello and King Lear



Case studies of modern film versions of Shakespeare’s works



A chronology of Shakespeare’s work and contemporary events

With fully updated further reading throughout and a wide range of case studies and examples, this text is essential reading for all those studying Shakespeare’s work.