The Arden Research Handbook of Contemporary Shakespeare Criticism

The Arden Research Handbook of Contemporary Shakespeare Criticism is a comprehensive guide to research on critical approaches to Shakespeare, featuring chapters on 20 specific practices and non-specialist help. It covers foundational and challenging approaches, postcolonial, queer studies, critical race studies, and more recent practices.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 392 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Arden Research Handbook of Contemporary Shakespeare Criticism is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to research on critical approaches to Shakespeare, authored by an international team of leading scholars. It offers a wide range of chapters on 20 specific critical practices, each grounded in the analysis of a Shakespeare play. These practices span from foundational approaches such as character studies, close reading, and genre studies to those that emerged in the 1970s and 1980s, challenging traditional liberal humanism with feminism, cultural materialism, and new historicism. Perspectives from postcolonial, queer studies, and critical race studies, as well as more recent critical practices like presentism, ecofeminism, and disability, are also explored in detail.

In addition to its coverage of distinct critical approaches, the handbook provides valuable assistance to non-specialists. It includes an A–Z glossary of key terms and concepts, a chronology of major publications and events, an introduction to resources for study of the field, and a substantial annotated bibliography.

The handbook's chapters on critical practices are organized in a clear and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to navigate and understand the various approaches. Each chapter begins with a brief overview of the practice, followed by an analysis of a Shakespeare play that exemplifies the approach. The analysis includes close readings of the text, consideration of the play's historical and cultural context, and discussion of the critical theories and methodologies employed.

One of the key strengths of the handbook is its ability to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary Shakespeare criticism. It covers a wide range of critical practices, including feminist, cultural materialist, and new historicist approaches, as well as more recent critical practices such as presentism, ecofeminism, and disability. This breadth of coverage allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse perspectives and methodologies employed in Shakespeare criticism today.

Another notable feature of the handbook is its inclusion of non-specialists. The glossary of key terms and concepts, the chronology of major publications and events, and the introduction to resources for study of the field are all designed to help non-specialists navigate the complex landscape of Shakespeare criticism. These sections provide a clear and concise introduction to the field, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

The annotated bibliography is also a valuable resource for researchers. It includes a wide range of scholarly articles, books, and other publications on Shakespeare criticism, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the current state of the field. The annotations provide valuable insights into the key arguments and themes of each publication, making it easier for researchers to identify relevant sources for their research.

In conclusion, the Arden Research Handbook of Contemporary Shakespeare Criticism is a comprehensive and authoritative guide to research on critical approaches to Shakespeare. It offers a wide range of chapters on 20 specific critical practices, each grounded in the analysis of a Shakespeare play. Its breadth of coverage, inclusion of non-specialists, and annotated bibliography make it an essential resource for researchers and students alike. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Shakespeare criticism, this handbook will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to engage with the rich and diverse world of Shakespearean studies.

Weight: 586g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350327504