Shakespeare: Criticism and Theory is an anthology of themost significant essays and book chapters published on Shakespearein the second half of the twentieth century. An anthology of about 50 of the most significant essays andbook chapters published on Shakespeare in the second half of thetwentieth century. Introduces students to the variety of theoretical positions,thematic claims, methodologies, and modes of argument inShakespeare criticism over the last 50 years. Critical views represented range from the old style historicismof E.M.W. Tillyard and the new criticism of William Empson to thenew historicism of Stephen Greenblatt and the feminist perspectiveof Catherine Belsey. Pieces are organised into categories of critical thought andintroduced in clear language. Most pieces are reproduced in their entirety.