Shakespeare and Textual Theory

Shakespeare and Textual Theory explores the revisions, augmentations, and emendations made to Shakespeare's works since his lifetime, providing a comprehensive view of the current theoretical debates and illustrating how these decisions affect the text of his plays.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 10 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Shakespeare's words, like the dialogue we hear on stage, have undergone revisions, augmentations, and amendments since his lifetime. Shakespeare and Textual Theory serves as an invaluable resource for understanding the historical evolution of Shakespeare's works. It begins by introducing early modern printing practices and delves into the original quartos, folios, and collected editions. The subsequent sections explore the contributions of the 'New Bibliographers' and the radical challenge they posed to traditional technical analysis through poststructuralist theory. This theory questioned the stability of the author and the text, undermining the notion of a fixed and authoritative version.

Shakespeare and Textual Theory presents a balanced perspective on the ongoing theoretical debates surrounding Shakespeare's texts. These debates encompass various aspects, such as the nature of the surviving texts we refer to as Shakespeare's, the relationship between the author and his intentions, the extent of Shakespeare's collaboration with others, and the most effective way to present his works, whether through editions or performances. Throughout the book, examples are provided to illustrate how theoretical decisions shape the text of Shakespeare's plays. Case studies of Hamlet and Pericles demonstrate how different theories can complicate both the text and its interpretation, whether a play exists in a single version or multiple versions.

In conclusion, Shakespeare and Textual Theory offers a comprehensive exploration of the historical development of beliefs about Shakespeare's texts. It provides a rich understanding of the revisions, augmentations, and amendments that have shaped his works over the centuries. By presenting a balanced view of the current theoretical debates and illustrating their impact on the text, the book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 130 x 197 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350121232