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Essential Shakespeare

The Arden Guide to Text and Interpretation
Brief Description
Essential Shakespeare by Dr. Jenny Stevens and Dr. Pamela Bickley addresses the transition from pre-university to undergraduate Shakespeare studies through an introductory critical guide that examines 16 key plays. Each chapter focuses on modern theoretical methods, close reading skills, early modern contexts, and stage and screen... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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A go-to guide to help undergraduates navigate their way through university Shakespeare, examining 16 key plays.

A go-to guide to help undergraduates navigate their way through university Shakespeare, examining 16 key plays.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Essential Shakespeare by Dr. Jenny Stevens and Dr. Pamela Bickley addresses the transition from pre-university to undergraduate Shakespeare studies through an introductory critical guide that examines 16 key plays. Each chapter focuses on modern theoretical methods, close reading skills, early modern contexts, and stage and screen productions spanning several decades.

Gain insights into each play, develop skills of analysis, and explore a diverse range of critical approaches that are central to the study of English today. Suggestions for further reading are included at the end of each chapter, along with examples of Shakespearean adaptation across genres, media, and time.

New to the second edition:

  • A revised and expanded introduction
  • Two additional plays and further critical approaches are covered: As You Like It and Titus Andronicus
  • Revised chapters on Othello and Twelfth Night
  • Updates to each chapter with wider reading and extended Afterlives sections
  • New links between chapters to aid study
  • A preface to the revised edition
  • An appendix featuring recommended open access online resources
  • Glossary of critical terms used in the book

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350444263

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 October 2025

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Arden Shakespeare

Edition: 2nd edition

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 232.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Pamela Bickley is an experienced teacher of A-Level and IB students and taught for many years as a Visiting Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.
Jenny Stevens has taught English at both pre-university and degree level. She currently combines literature teaching at the City Lit, London, with academic writing, educational consultancy and series editing for Methuen Drama Student Editions.

Also by Dr. Jenny Stevens

View all
  • Essential Shakespeare
    Addressing the transition from pre-university to undergraduate Shakespeare studies, this introductory critical guide examines 16 key plays. Each chapter focuses on modern theoretical methods, close reading skills, early modern contexts, and productions from stage and screen spanning several decades. You will gain insights into each play, develop skills of analysis and be introduced to a diverse range of critical approaches...
    Hardback
    $14300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

Also by Dr. Pamela Bickley

View all
  • Essential Shakespeare
    Addressing the transition from pre-university to undergraduate Shakespeare studies, this introductory critical guide examines 16 key plays. Each chapter focuses on modern theoretical methods, close reading skills, early modern contexts, and productions from stage and screen spanning several decades. You will gain insights into each play, develop skills of analysis and be introduced to a diverse range of critical approaches...
    Hardback
    $14300
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

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