Shakespeare and Science: A Dictionary

Shakespeare and Science: A Dictionary is a pedagogical resource for students and scholars that explores Shakespeare's engagement with natural philosophical discourse and his multiform uses of scientific terms. It contextualizes such moments and terms that Shakespeare employs, making them accessible to students of Shakespeare.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare and Science: A Dictionary, a groundbreaking work in Shakespearean scholarship, emerges as a vital pedagogical resource for students and scholars alike. By delving into Shakespeare's profound engagement with natural philosophical discourse, this edition not only shapes the future of Shakespearean scholarship but also has a significant impact on interdisciplinary research in the field. This comprehensive dictionary appeals to a wide range of readers, including students embarking on their academic journey and seasoned scholars engaged in interdisciplinary studies of Shakespeare. It also serves as a valuable resource for non-professional readers who seek to deepen their understanding of Shakespeare's language and the early modern scientific practices of his time.

Shakespeare's works, in response to the burgeoning interest in early modern cultures regarding new astronomical theories, understandings of motion and change, and the cataloging of objects, vegetation, and animals in the natural world, sought to harness the potential for knowledge acquisition. A notable example is Hamlet's letter to Ophelia, which intricately plays with the differences between the Ptolemaic and Copernican notions of the earth's movement. In the Ptolemaic view, "Doubt that the sun doth move" may be interpreted as an earnest plea, while in the Copernican system, it can be seen as a purposeful equivocation. The Dictionary contextualizes such moments and scientific terms that Shakespeare employs creatively and critically throughout his poetry and drama.

The primary focus of this dictionary lies in Shakespeare's multiform uses of language, making complex concepts such as "firmament," "planetary influence," and "retrograde" accessible to students of Shakespeare. By providing comprehensive definitions, detailed explanations, and examples, the dictionary facilitates a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's language and its relationship with early modern scientific practices. It serves as a valuable tool for scholars, educators, and enthusiasts alike, enriching their appreciation of Shakespeare's works and contributing to the ongoing exploration of the intersection between literature, science, and culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350044623