The Age of Shakespeare

By Frank Kermode | Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

About the book

In The Age of Shakespeare, Frank Kermode uses the history and culture of the Elizabethan era to enlighten us about William Shakespeare and his poetry and plays. Opening with the big picture of the religious and dynastic events that defined England in the age of the Tudors, Kermode takes the reader on a tour of Shakespeare’s England, vividly portraying London’s society, its early capitalism, its court, its bursting population, and its epidemics, as well as its arts—including, of course, its theater. Then Kermode focuses on Shakespeare himself and his career, all in the context of the time in which he lived. Kermode reads each play against the backdrop of its probable year of composition, providing new historical insights into Shakspeare’s characters, themes, and sources. The result is an important, lasting, and concise companion guide to the works of Shakespeare by one of our most eminent literary scholars.

Editions of The Age of Shakespeare

Hardcover
ISBN 9780679642442
Paperback
ISBN 9780812974331
EBook
ISBN 9781588363480

Read an Excerpt

In The Age of Shakespeare, Frank Kermode uses the history and culture of the Elizabethan era to enlighten us about William Shakespeare and his poetry and plays. Opening with the big picture of the religious and dynastic events that defined England in the age of the Tudors, Kermode takes the reader on a tour of Shakespeare’s England, vividly portraying London’s society, its early capitalism, its court, its bursting population, and its epidemics, as well as its arts—including, of course, its theater. Then Kermode focuses on Shakespeare himself and his career, all in the context of the time in which he lived. Kermode reads each play against the backdrop of its probable year of composition, providing new historical insights into Shakspeare’s characters, themes, and sources. The result is an important, lasting, and concise companion guide to the works of Shakespeare by one of our most eminent literary scholars.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Age of Shakespeare about?

In The Age of Shakespeare, Frank Kermode uses the history and culture of the Elizabethan era to enlighten us about William Shakespeare and his poetry and plays. Opening with the big picture of the religious and dynastic events that defined England in the age of the Tudors, Kermode takes the reader on a tour of Shakespeare’s England, vividly portraying London’s society, its early capitalism, its court, its bursting population, and its epidemics, as well as its arts—including, of course, its theater. Then Kermode focuses on Shakespeare himself and his career, all in the context of the time in which he lived. Kermode reads each play against the backdrop of its probable year of composition, providing new historical insights into Shakspeare’s characters, themes, and sources. The result is an important, lasting, and concise companion guide to the works of Shakespeare by one of our most eminent literary scholars.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Age of Shakespeare?

History and Archaeology > History > European history

Where can I read a sample of The Age of Shakespeare?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780679642442

Is The Age of Shakespeare part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Modern Library Chronicles

Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Age of Shakespeare?

Frank Kermode

Who is the Publisher of the book The Age of Shakespeare?

Random House Publishing Group

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

The Age of Shakespeare is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780679642442) and paperback(ISBN 9780812974331) and ebook(ISBN 9781588363480)

Where can I buy The Age of Shakespeare online or support local independent bookshops?

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Where can I buy The Age of Shakespeare?