Overview

An introductory critical study for first year undergraduates which bridges the gap between A Level and university study. The book offers an accessible overview of key critical perspectives, early modern contexts, and methods of close reading, as well as screen and stage performances spanning several decades. Organised around the discussion of fourteen major plays, it introduces readers to the diverse theoretical approaches typical of today's English studies. This is a go-to resource that can be consulted thematically or by individual play or genre. Critical approaches can overwhelm students who are daunted by the quantity and complexity of current scholarship; Bickley and Stevens are experienced teachers at both A and university level and are thus uniquely qualified to show how a mix of critical ideas can be used to inform ways of thinking about a play.

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9781408158739

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Reviews

The particular strength of Pamela Bickley and Jenny Stevens' thorough guide to the study of Shakespeare's plays is its targeting. Their discussion of each of fourteen of the plays is framed via the introduction of a theoretical method and an exploration of Shakespeare's language, thus offering a critical tool-kit aimed squarely and effectively at undergraduates and ambitious sixthformers ... Bickley and Stevens know their audience and address it clearly and unpatronisingly. Everyone who wants, or is just beginning, to study English literature at university would benefit from this book. -- Emma Smith, Hertford College, Oxford Around the Globe [T]his text helps to bridge the gap between leaving the teacher-led, close textual reading ... and meeting the demands of university courses' independent reading and research. Furthermore, the authoritative voice of this text should inspire confidence in any student as it knowledgeably covers the socio-historical context of the plays; close textual analysis; explanation and application of competing critical perspectives; as well as discussion of the plays in performance. -- Tara Hanley The Use of English [T]his engaging volume ... successfully explains the most important concepts related to the playwright's use of language through a number of critical perspectives. As such, it perfectly meets the needs of demanding students trying to get to grips with the problematic issues raised by the early modern playwright ... it certainly deserves to be given a special place on academic bookshelves. -- Sophie Chiari, Aix-Marseille Universite Cercles

The particular strength of Pamela Bickley and Jenny Stevens' thorough guide to the study of Shakespeare's plays is its targeting. Their discussion of each of fourteen of the plays is framed via the introduction of a theoretical method and an exploration of Shakespeare's language, thus offering a critical tool-kit aimed squarely and effectively at undergraduates and ambitious sixthformers ... Bickley and Stevens know their audience and address it clearly and unpatronisingly. Everyone who wants, or is just beginning, to study English literature at university would benefit from this book. -- Emma Smith, Hertford College, Oxford Around the Globe

Author Information

Pamela Bickley and Jenny Stevens have taught Shakespeare at pre-university and degree level for many years. They lead the English Association's ongoing involvement with transition issues and lecture and publish on a range of literary topics.

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