Product Description

The new wave of cultural materialists in Britain and new historicists in the United States here join forces to depose the sacred icon of the "eternal bard" and argue for a Shakespeare who meditates and exploits political, cultural and ideological forces. Ten years on, this second edition presents additional essays by Jonathan Dollimore and Alan Sinfield.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #149250 in Books
• Published on: 1994-08-11
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

a classic collection
Dollimore's collection of essays is considered a classic theoretical volume, and it was the first to outline the cultural materialist approach to the study of Shakespeare. When originally published many of the themes within this text were groundbeaking and revolutionary, and they remain vitally important today. As with any fresh approach to a subject, the early impetus can be felt in the essays which began it all, and this is true of political shakespeare. Cultural Materialism is still relevant today, and it has become an accepted part of the body of literary theory. The essays may not seem so radical now, but they are retain their vibrancy, and for anybody wishing to advance their knowledge of Shakespeare, this book is an excellent resource. It is primarily a collection of academic essays, but they are neither boring nor obtuse. Anybody with an interest in Shakespeare could understand the ideas in this text, and anybody who wishes to do so should be encouraged to buy it.