The extended second edition of this inspiring introduction to Shakespeare offers readers more insights into what makes Shakespeare great, and why we still read and perform his works. A highly innovative introduction to the extraordinary phenomenon of Shakespeare Explores Shakespeares works through the "e;Seven Ages of Man"e;, from childhood to "e;second childishness and mere oblivion"e; Now includes more material on fathers and sons, the perils of courtship, the circumstances of Shakespeares own life, the performance history of his plays on stage and on screen, and more A new final chapter on "e;Shakespeare Today"e; looks at the remarkable diversity of interpretations in modern criticism and performance of Shakespeare Discusses a wide range of plays and poems Suitable for both non-specialist readers, and scholars seeking a fresh approach to the study of Shakespeare

The extended second edition of this inspiring introduction toShakespeare offers readers more insights into what makesShakespeare great, and why we still read and perform his works.* * A highly innovative introduction to the extraordinaryphenomenon of Shakespeare* * Explores Shakespeares works through the "Seven Ages of Man"from childhood to "second childishness and mere oblivion"* * Now includes more material on fathers and sons, the perils ofcourtship, the circumstances of Shakespeares own life, theperformance history of his plays on stage and on screen, andmore* * A new final chapter on "Shakespeare Today" looks at theremarkable diversity of interpretations in modern criticism andperformance of Shakespeare* * Discusses a wide range of plays and poems* * Suitable for both non-specialist readers, and scholars seekinga fresh approach to the study of Shakespeare

List of illustrations.To the Reader.1 All the World's a Stage: Poetry and Theatre.2 Creeping Like Snail: Childhood, Education, Early FriendshipSibling Rivalries.3 Sighing Like Furnace: Courtship and Sexual Desire.4 Full of Strange Oaths and Bearded Like the Pard: TheComing-of-Age of the Male.5 Jealous in Honour: Love and Friendship in Crises.6 Wise Saws: Political and Social DisillusionmentHumankind's Relationship to the Divine, and PhilosophicalScepticism.7 Modern Instances: Misogyny, Jealousy, Pessimism, and MidlifeCrises.8 The Lean and Slippered Pantaloon: Ageing Fathers and theirDaughters.9 Last Scene of All: Retirement from the Theatre.10 Shakespeare Today.Notes.Further Reading.Index