Shakespeare in An Age of Anxiety
The subjects of Elizabeth I had multiple reasons to be anxious.
At a time when politics and religion were a toxic mix, the work of playwrights was closely scrutinised by the authorities, particularly if – like Shakespeare’s family – they had Catholic connections.
Yet in these tumultuous times, Shakespeare survived and prospered to become one of the greatest writers of all time.
How did he succeed where others failed?
In this age of anxiety, this book provides an accessible guide to Shakespeare’s life and works, examining:
• the dangers Shakespeare faced and how he used ambiguity to avoid accusations of subversion
• his life, his loves, and the ‘Dark Lady’ of the sonnets
• what he wrote and why and when he wrote it
• his friends, collaborators, rivals, patrons – and enemies; and
• the extraordinary creativity in his use of a language that was still evolving
This book also includes:
• an introduction to, and appreciation of, each of his works in the order in which they were written during the reign of Elizabeth, showing how he developed as a writer
• an overview of the most recent research in Shakespearian studies, including chronology and authorship
About the author
Neville Grant worked for the British Council before becoming a University lecturer, and professional writer of numerous textbooks widely used in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.
No of Pages: 430 pp
ISBN: 978-1-910996-73-7