Shakespeare: The Tragedies

'A beautifully written and accessible collection of essays.' - Joan Fitzpatrick, University College Northampton 'Wonderful illustrations; splendid clear accessible layout. The chapter linking Richard II and Richard III was particularly engaging. Stress on textual history is good for a book aimed at undergraduates.' - Kevin De Ornellas, The Queen's University of Belfast 'An excellent introduction to Shakespeare's tragedies, from the point of view of their performance.' - David Olive, Manchester Metropolitan University

This comprehensive and well-informed study is also a work of detection and reappraisal. No theory of tragedy emerges, but rather an increasing ability to maintain and communicate a clear-eyed perception of a changing and often violent society in which action is stronger than words or conscious intention.This comprehensive and well-informed study is also a work of detection and reappraisal. Each tragedy is considered both as a text and as a play to experience in performance. Shakespeare's engagement with this form of drama is followed step-by-step until its concluding years of intense activity. No theory of tragedy emerges, but rather an increasing ability to maintain and communicate a clear-eyed perception of a changing and often violent society in which action is stronger than words or conscious intention.