First published in 1992,
Theater and World
is a detailed exploration of Shakespeare’s representation of history and how it affects the relation between theatre and world.
The book focuses primarily on the Second Tetralogy (
Richard II, Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II
, and
Henry V
) and includes a wealth of analysis and interpretation of the plays. In doing so, it explores a wide range of topics, including the relation between literary and theatrical representations and the world; the nature of illusion and reality; genre; the connection between history and fiction (especially plays); historiography and literary criticism or theory; poetry and philosophy; and irony, both rhetorical and philosophical.
Theater and World continues to have lasting relevance for anyone with an interest in Shakespeare’s words and his representation of history in particular.