English Poetry - General & Miscellaneous - Literary Criticism, English Poetry - 16th Century - Literary Criticism
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Overview
A volume in "Twayne's Authors Series" of literary criticism offers a critical introduction to the life and work of a particular writer, to the history and influence of a literary movement, or to the development of a literary genre. Primarily devoted to critical interpretation and discussion of an author s work, the study not only takes account of major literary trends and important contributions in scholarship and criticism but also provides new critical insights and an original point of view. "Authors Series" volumes are rooted in the original works themselves and address readers ranging from advanced high school students to university professors. The book suggests to the informed reader new ways of considering a writer's work. A reader new to the work under examination will, after reading the "Authors Series" study, be compelled to turn to the originals, bringing to the reading a basic knowledge and fresh critical perspectives. The most celebrated of all English playwrights, William Shakespeare was originally best known for his poetry. Even today, the sonnets are still his best-selling work throughout the world. Along with the narrative poems, Venus and Adonis and Lucrece, which were widely quoted and extremely popular, the sonnets were the mainstay of his reputation as a writer in Elizabethan times. In this authoritative and comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's poetry, noted Shakespearean scholar Dennis Kay, uncovers the underlying reasons for the extraordinary success of the poetic works. This book is directed towards a wide audience. Newcomers will find it a concise and accessible overview, while more advanced readers will appreciate the numerous fresh textual and historical insights.Editorials
Booknews
Three of the five chapters of this volume focus heavily on Shakespeare's sonnets and on his poems Venus and Adonis and Lucrece in an attempt place the study of Shakespeare as a poet central to any attempt to understand his work, career, and subsequent reputation. The other two chapters offer an overview of the 1590s (when Shakespeare began his poetic output) and discussion of other poems by or attributed to him. Analyses of the poems address the poetic traditions and cultural circumstances that affected the writings. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.Book Details
Published
February 12, 1998
Publisher
Twayne Publishers Inc.,U.S.
Pages
179
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9780805716498