当代随一のシェイクスピア研究者、スタンリー・ウェルズによる魅力溢れるシェイクスピア論です。シェイクスピアが生を受け、育まれた時代の社会的・知的背景、文学的伝統、そして演者・劇作家として活躍した時代の演劇界について考察します。さらに後世に与えた多大なる影響の根本を探るべく、その物語詩、ソネット、戯曲の起源、様式、独創性の概略を示します。(cf. Shakespeare's Comedies, #467; Shakespeare's Tragedies, #522; Shakespeare's Sonnets and Poems, #534)
   

• Written by the pre-eminent Shakespearean critic Stanley Wells
• Examines the life and work of one of greatest playwrights in British history
• Explores the impact and context of all Shakespeare's works
• Looks at the importance of theatre and drama in Shakespeare's time

 
In this new offering from Stanley Wells, the pre-eminent Shakespearian scholar, comes a Very Short Introduction to the life and writings of the world's greatest and best-known dramatists: William Shakespeare.

Looking at his early life and education, Wells explores Shakespeare's social and intellectual background and the literary traditions on which Shakespeare drew. Examining the theatres and theatrical profession of the time, he also considers how Shakespeare experienced this world, both as an actor and as a writer. 

Examining Shakespeare's narrative poems, sonnets, and all of his plays, Wells outlines their sources, style, and originality over the course of Shakespeare's career, to consider the fundamental impact his work has had for subsequent generations. Written with enthusiasm and flair by a scholar who has devoted a lifetime to the study of Shakespeare and his works, this is an engaging and authoritative introduction.