Ebook: The definitive Shakespeare companion: overviews, documents, and analysis

Alphabetical list of plays and poems -- A preface for users -- A Shakespeare chronology -- v. 1. Overviews and the history plays. Overviews: William Shakespeare's age / Harold Branam ; William Shakespeare's life / Joseph Rosenblum ; William Shakespeare's theater / Robert E. Willson Jr. ; William Shakespeare's texts / Roze Hentschell ; William Shakespeare's language / Barry B. Adams ; The authorship questions / Joseph Rosenblum -- History plays. Overview: Shakespeare's history plays / Sonia Suman ; Henry VI, Parts 1,2, and 3 / John D. Cox ; Richard III / Andrew Macdonald, Gina Macdonald, and Cindy Chopoidalo ; King John / Michael Egan and Jessie Herrada Nance ; Richard II / Nicholas Crawford and Cindy Chopoidalo ; Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 / Rebecca Fletcher McNeer ; Henry V / Sheryl A. Clouse and Sonia Suman ; Henry VIII / Yashdip S. Bains and Gaywyn Moore ; Edward III / Nicholas Birns ; Sir Thomas More / Lucy Munro --;"Shakespeare's works often served to convey simple truths, but they are also complex, multilayered masterpieces. Shakespeare drew on varied sources to create his plays, and while the plays are sometimes set in worlds before the Elizabethan age, they nonetheless parallel and comment on situations in his own era. Written with the needs of students in mind, this four-volume set demystifies Shakespeare for today's readers and provides the necessary perspective and analysis students need to better appreciate the genius of his work. This indispensable ready reference examines Shakespeare's plots, language, and themes; his use of sources and exploration of issues important to his age; the interpretation of his works through productions from the Renaissance to the present; and the critical reaction to key questions concerning his writings. The book provides coverage of each key play and poems in discrete sections, with each section presenting summaries; discussions of themes, characters, language, and imagery; and clear explications of key passages. Readers will be able to inspect historical documents related to the topics explored in the work being discussed and view excerpts from Shakespeare's sources as well as reviews of major productions. The work also provides a comprehensive list of print and electronic resources suitable for student research." -- Publisher's website