Who Was William Shakespeare?: An Introduction to the Life and Works

A new study of Shakespeare’s life and times, whichilluminates our understanding and appreciation of his works.Combines an accessible fully historicised treatment of both thelife and the plays, suited to both undergraduate and popularaudiencesLooks at 24 of the most significant plays and the sonnetsthrough the lens of various aspects of Shakespeare’s life andhistorical environmentAddresses four of the most significant issues that shapedShakespeare’s career:  education, religion, socialstatus, and theatreExamines theatre as an institution and the literary environmentof early modern LondonExplains and dispatches conspiracy theories aboutauthorship