Early Shakespeare, 1588–1594

Early Shakespeare, 1588–1594 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.

“'... a major reappraisal of Shakespeare's early career ...' Dalya Alberge, The Observer”

'… a major reappraisal of Shakespeare's early career …' Dalya Alberge, The Observer
'Early Shakespeare is a valuable, attentively edited volume … there is no doubt that this book will offer its readers considerable food for thought.' Gordon McMullan, Times Literary Supplement
'… an engaging and far-reaching volume that instructively reappraises Shakespeare's early dramatic texts. …the book encourages a number of new discussions of 'earliness' including the importance of authorial collaboration, inter-textual borrowings, and acting traditions that distinguish Shakespeare's early style … a thought-provoking study.' Benjamin Blyth, Early Theatre Review
'Like the previous volume, this collection will be of great interest to all readers of Shakespeare; it is required reading for Shakespeare scholars.' Ian Mcadam, Renaissance and Reformation

Rory Loughnane is Senior Lecturer in Early Modern Studies at the University of Kent. Recent studies include The Memory Arts in Renaissance England (Cambridge, 2016). He is an Associate Editor of the New Oxford Shakespeare, editor of the Works of Cyril Tourneur for Revels Plays, and General Editor of the forthcoming Oxford Marlowe. Andrew J. Power is Assistant Professor of English at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. He is the editor of Late Shakespeare, 1608–1613 (2012) and of The Yearbook of English Studies (2014) special issue on 'Caroline Literature'. His forthcoming monograph is entitled Stages of Madness: Sin, Sickness and Seneca in Shakespearean Drama.

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