Other editions of book William Shakespeare

Almost 400 years after his death, interest in Shakespeare's life and work still persists. Much is often made of the fact that Shakespeare is an engima - the usual facets of biographical accounts are irretrevably missing, further enhancing his mystique. But as Dominic Shellard shows in this account, by viewing the playwright in the context of contemporary Elizabethan politics and the business of the theatre, we know more of his existence than is often generally thought, providing a background against which his literary output can be assessed.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is recognized around the world as the greatest English playwright. This entertaining and authoritative account of the Bard's life and work by Professor Dominic Shellard provides a clear account of the main events in the playwright's life, and gives new insights into the circumstances and influences that shaped his major works. The text and illustrations are based on the manuscript and printed book collections of the British Library.