Early Shakespeare 1588-1594

Early Shakespeare 15881594 draws together leading scholars of text performance and theatre history to offer a rigorous re-appraisal of Shakespeare''s early career. The contributors offer rich new critical insights into the theatrical and poetic context in which Shakespeare first wrote and his emergence as an author of note while challenging traditional readings of his beginnings in the burgeoning theatre industry. Shakespeare''s earliest works are treated on their own merit and in their own time without looking forward to Shakespeare''s later achievements; contributors situate Shakespeare in his twenties in a very specific time place and cultural moment. The volume features essays about Shakespeare''s early style characterisation and dramaturgy together with analysis of his early co-authors rivals and influences (including Lyly Spenser and Marlowe). This collection provides essential entry points to and original readings of the poet-dramatist''s earliest extant writings and shines new light on his first activities as a professional author.